Entertaining Like A Pro - Part One
April 15th, 2008 by LoadRunner
Part One: The Scene
So you’ve decided to host a cocktail party. Invitations–or eVites–are out but now is the time to start preparing. The idea is to provide a festive, yet pressure-free, environment for your guests. If you’re running around at the last minute, you’re guests will feel the frazzle too.
First, take a step back and think about the overall “feel” or theme of the party.
“Think of your home as a party space,” says New York restaurateur/style guru Donatella Arpaia, who was crowned “Hostess with the Mostess” by Zagat’s. “Think about where people congregate - maybe the hallway, the kitchen; by anticipating where the flow will be, you can decorate accordingly. And don’t forget the bathroom - decorate it with candles or special hand towels in a bowl, and be sure to clean up the medicine cabinet - guests will look inside!”
Set the Mood
Lighting: Everyone feels festive and relaxed in dim lights, colored light and candlelight; use all three.
Food: Make one dish the star of the show instead of slaving over lots of complicated dishes; serve in individual portions to set your food apart from others - ramekins, crème brulée saucers, even sake boxes will create pretty, easy-to-handle dishes.
Get help: Go to your favorite restaurant and ask if any waiters are available to work your party; many are looking for extra work and the expense is very reasonable for a few hours.
Etiquette: Greet guests immediately with a drink, and be sure to offer interesting non-alcoholic cocktails. Introduce guests to each other, especially those arriving solo.
Other than beverages, food is a big part of a successful party. Read all about what to serve in Entertaining Like a Pro: Part 2.
Amy Covington is a fashion writer with a penchant for high heels, oversized handbags and
anything luxury. She always knew she wanted to be a writer and always loved fashion - and
finally found a way to revel in both. Her work has appeared in numerous regional
magazines and ezines, including San Diego Magazine, San Francisco Downtown Magazine,
Ranch & Coast Magazine and JustLuxe.com. Amy maintains three blogs for Belisi Fashions,
a luxury accessories brand based in Palm Beach.
Tags: cocktail party, drink, entertaining, food
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