Sandra's Set

A lot of work goes into getting every episode of Sandra's Money Saving Meals on the air.

The cabinets are almost empty. To make it easy for Sandra to grab tools while the camera rolls, prop stylists stock only the items she needs for that day's episode—plus her BlackBerry, which she scrolls through between takes. The set is also less ornate than her Semi-Homemade one. "We wanted a cleaner look since it's a budget-friendly show," she says.

Far left: The family room serves as a giant prop closet for art director Steve Skopick grows these herbs on his New York City fire escape and carefully transports them to Connecticut. After filming, he shuttles the plants outside to soak up some sunlight. Crew members eat lunch on this deck, which viewers never see on the show.

At the end of an episode, Sandra often shows off a cake, but you won't always see her eat it. On days when the cakes need to be prepped in advance, food stylists sometimes ice and decorate a Styrofoam base, which won't lose its shape.