For more than 20 years , Michael Aram has brought the natural world to the table in the form of sand-cast and hand-forged metal accessories. His workshop in India, which employs 170 craftsmen, also has created the Skeleton chair, a solid aluminum seat that resembles a human spine, and the Enchanted Forest line of tree-inspired tables and lamps. But Aram, pictured above , is best known for serving and cocktail pieces that incorporate the forms of coral, leaves, flowers , fruit and vegetables.None is more striking -- or downright amusing -- than his recently launched Golden Corn collection. The inspiration, Aram says, was " this very tacky plastic corn set I bought on EBay. It was very cheap; I probably spent more on the shipping. And then I thought , how can I make this beautiful?" The answer: an enameled serving platter ($99) , and a matching set set of four dishes ($99), plus gold-plated salt and pepper shakers ($79) , and a set of eight cob picks ($79), below, sold at Bloomingdale's and the Michael Aram website. On a swing through Southern California, Aram answered questions about design and summer entertaining, including the obvious one: Why a gold-plated corn cob?You have to shake people up a little bit. I like to make even the smallest things look iconic, or in this case, i-corn-ic. I  design products that speak of a moment, like let's barbecue and have a picnic -- moments that create a sense of nostalgia. And because so many of my designs are given as gifts, I loved the idea of someone going to a friend's house for the weekend and bringing the corn set.Remind me to invite you to my next barbecue. What could I do to earn your respect as a host?Whether it's the table decorations, the food or the music, a good host thinks of things specifically for guests. When people feel that they've been considered, it's a lovely thing, so even though it's a little formal, I like place cards. And I love individual salt and pepper shakers and a small vase of flowers for each person. What makes a table memorable?Creativity. Thinking outside the box and mixing elements and things that have meaning for you. I love to see beautiful new things and family heirlooms. I never mind things that are scratched or chopped or dented, things that speak of use and history.What's a buzz kill?I hate to say it, but paper napkins. I can't handle that. I'm sorry. That's awful, but no, no, no. Even at home, my partner makes fun of me for always putting out linen napkins.

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