Body background images in Outlook 2007?

Hi! I have built an email blast that is designed to stretch in the middle based on the content. The problem I have is that I can’t find a technique for the stretching area that works in Outlook 2007. I have graphics on the right and left of the content that are designed to stretch. I used a background image set to 100%... no good. I set an embedded table set to 100%... no good. These things work in everything EXCEPT Outlook and it’s stupid MS Word rendering engine. Can you suggest a technique? Detailed directions would be appreciated. Thanks!