FASHION PLATE TIPS

Remember, there's nothing more important than first impressions. They leave an indelible mark. I consider the host of a party to be the honorary cultural diplomat of an event. If done well, your party will capture its guests' attention and promote a joyful energy.

DRESSING THE PLATE

A Host-with-the-Most should always start by setting a tone for the evening by suggesting a dress code. With big clues such as creative wording, clever invitation design and menu choices, your invitees will be comfortably guided.

For example, a sit-down dinner invitation suggests guests should adorn cocktail, or more formal, attire; whereas, a buffet meal might suggest a more casual affair. Your guests will appreciate the heads up, and you will find that many will enjoy the opportunity to express their inner fashionista! Who isn't looking for a way to make that pair of $500 sling-backs worth the money?

I strongly recommend always having a go to dress or outfit in the wardrobe for impromptu parties whether you are the guest or host! Personally, I always count on a mid-thigh or knee-length cocktail dress with an A-Line cut. For many women the famous "Little Black Dress" is a blue-ribbon winner paired with sleek black heels or tall leather boots. An elegant pair of trousers with a fitted white blouse or cashmere sweater will also effortlessly command any kitchen and dining room.

For the gentlemen, a pair of grey or navy slacks with a mock turtleneck, light sweater or bright-colored dress shirt will keep you stylish and ready for a post-dinner apéritif.

If your party involves a festive holiday, themed costume parties always up the ante. Make sure guests are not left in the dark, so clearly note the preferred costume theme on your invitation!

The key "take-away" is to have as much fun with your fashion as you do with your party. Like your shopping list, salute the seasons with colors and fabrics which mirror the time of year and festivities.

COUTURE CONVERSATION

When planning a party, try to look at it from the guest's point-of-view. I always appreciate sitting next to an interesting person at a party with whom I can share stimulating and fun dialogue and learn something new.

Of course, it's just as important for a guest to be a good guest, as it is for a host to be a good host. Here are some very practical suggestions that will keep you a well-informed guest while making you a sought-after invitee:

Cocktail Conversation Tips:

• Buy one weekly news magazine.
• Read one good daily paper, local and national.
• Re-discover a novel or book of poetry.
• See at least one film, play, art exhibit or musical concert that month.
• Dress the part if attending a themed costume party!
• Mention local cultural events or forums happening that month.

SETTING THE MOOD

Stimulate all five senses: sight, smell, hear, taste, touch!

Sight and Smell

Keep the table and bar chic with an eclectic array of stemware. I like to mix things up by decorating the table with a variety of Champagne flutes, tumblers and mini-martini glasses with clear water and wine glasses.

Season and theme help determine the décor of the party, as well as its music and mood. For example, in the summer, a large earthenware bowl filled with water and floating white gardenia blossoms is Simple, fresh and chic. The bonus is that the sweet gardenia smell will fill the air while the water adds an air of calm. During the winter holidays, different shaped bowls look great filled with fresh fruit. (This is good for summer too – could we say anytime of year use seasonal fruit?) For home décor, I favor a clean, fresh look with white poinsettias and little white tea lights. Add a few tall white pillar candles to your hurricanes and a festive mood will be accomplished with ease.

Remember, any time of the year, freshly cut flowers offer a diversity of shapes and colors you can arrange in a thousand and one different ways. If on a budget, simply use the seasonal ingredients in your recipes to fill vases and hurricane lamps, large lamps with glass chimney coverings, for a colorful and eclectic centerpiece. Lemons, limes, oranges, heirloom tomatoes, dried beans, and chestnuts are some of my go-to fillers. Or combine flowers and fruit for a sophisticated departure from the ordinary.

Décor and Fresh Flower Tips

• Bowls of fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and shells create an organic theme. Maintain floral flower power and freshness with these simple tips:
• Fill vase ¾ full with fresh cold tap water and add 1 tsp sugar.
• Cut 1-inch off the end of stems under running cold water before placing into prepared vase.
• Refresh floral bouquet every 3 days with re-cut stems and a change of water and sugar.
• *Be sure your centerpiece doesn't overwhelm the table. Guests shouldn't have to talk around the flowers. You can always save larger, more dramatic arrangements for the living room; that is where the party really happens anyway.
• Set the mood by using candles in varying sizes – remember to always use scent-free candles at the dinner table so you don't compete with the food!
• Buy silver platters. They are perfect for displaying cheeses, crackers, grapes, figs and jellies and add elegance.
• A picture is worth a thousand words. A well placed digital picture frame that rotates favorite photos of family, friends, pets and recent vacations always stirs conversation. Bonus tip: Use photos that go with your party's theme – i.e., Christmas, beach vacations
• Coffee table books on art, photography, fashion, culture, travel, music and spirituality inspire page-turning and chatter.

Hear

Ambient music takes your guests on a journey and is a key ingredient in creating the appropriate mood for any party.

Keep in mind the vibe that the music sets. Select tunes that match the mood and type of party being thrown. Some of my favorites for great dinner background music include Pink Martini, Gypsy Kings, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Adele, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Norah Jones, India Arie, Enya and the Buddha Bar series.

Taste

Food and drink are obviously important to any successful party. Guests warmly welcomed with a signature cocktail followed by a tasty tidbit or scrumptious meal made with seasonal ingredients will endearingly remember your party for years to come.

Touch

Swag Bags-Departing Gift Ideas

Who doesn't love fabulous swag "goody" bags? Your friends are no different; therefore a party is incomplete without a noteworthy parting gift. My all-time favorite is the gift that keeps on giving.

• In a festive font on good quality paper stock, I print out the party menu and recipes, then bind them in a small photo album. After the party when photos are printed, I send out great party pictures with a little personal note for my guests to enjoy and relive all the fun.
• Whether on a budget or the sky's the limit, here are some easy tips for smashing goody bags:
• Get creative, but pick items that match the theme of the party.
• Fill a bag in your party's theme color. For example, if the Greek Isles are your theme, include a map of the chosen island inside a blue and white water-proof travel passport bag.
• Coffee table book involving the party theme.
• Magazine subscriptions or gift certificates.
• Notable quotables rolled up inside small bottles are fun for a summer beach soirée. Aromatherapy candles and bubbles.
• Provide burlap grocery bags for an eco-friendly touch.
• Mini floral bouquets inside votives, small glass candleholders.
• Perfume or cologne or coffee beans or tea leaves and a small bottle of liquor indigenous to the island.
• Share your iPod party list with guests and personalize take-away cds.

Eat well. Feel well. Entertain well.