Cooking for the Masses

For when you have to Cater for More than Just Family

I know.. there are plenty of ideas out there but I want to create a warm feeling in such a cold area. (Not physically of course) In the hall, the walls are white the tables are long retangular plastic and white, the chairs are also white but match the tables. there are four skinny pillars in a rectangle painted tan (go figure) and the floors are the same color. there's a small stage with Navy Blue curtains and brown carpeting. there is also two sets of flourescent lighting. Meaning two switches.. you can't fade the lights seemlessly...Yes it's an extremely ugly place and last year at the dinner we had these cheap little fish bowl candle holders and some sort of odd greenery surrounding about six on three long rows of white cold tables. Along with cold cut sandwiches and cold sodas and chips. This year it will be potluck so food will be heartier and warmer. We will have music and possibly a jazz band so with that.. how can i make the rest of the space better?