| The guests are the most important ingredient in any party you give! |
| Always use "the best" you can afford in food and beverage, etc. |
| Do what you do best and leave the rest to professionals |
| End the party while people are still having fun - don't let it go too long |
| Always have a favor or placecard for guests to take home. |
| Hand-deliver invitations or send a "show-stopper" invitation. It sets
the tone for the party and lets people know that you have put forth the thought and
effort. |
| Music is a must! Begin the party with music and medium volume,
turn it down for dinner, then up again for dancing. Make sure the music is not so
loud that it prevents conversation. |
| Lighting is important. For an evening event, line the entranceway with
torchiers, luminarias or up-lights. Dim the lights for dinner and light every candle
in the house. Try not to have any light source at eye level. The answer is to
use low votive candles to diffuse a light. For a dramatic effect accent trees,
shrubs, or even large house plants with tiny white lights. |
| Flowers create excitement. Look around the house for your
favorite items and "objects d'art" to incorporate into your theme or floral
arrangement. Always take the setting of a flower arrangement into account.
(Will it be in the center of the table, will guests be able to see each other over it,
will it clash with a nearby work of art, etc.) Choose the appropriate color, texture
and height. Use unexpected and intriguing containers. Plant your garden so you
can pick greenery and flowers all year. |
| Hold your party in an unusual place. Examples include: airplane hanger, wine cellar,
bowling alley, "dive" bar, railroad station, bank lobby, library, riverboat,
ferry, yacht, museum, warehouse, streetcar or a trolley car. . . |
