The Editors of InStyle - Instyle parties: the complete guide to easy, elegant entertaining

InStyle
Parties The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining All Year Round By the editors of InStyle INTRODUCTION Theres nothing like a great party, one that perfectly celebrates the occasion, expresses the creativity of its host, and serves as a joyous gift to everyone there. So, whats the secret? While even the worlds greatest entertainers dont strive for perfection, they do revel in the details, and taking the time to plan out a dinner, special occasion, or family gathering makes all the difference. As a host, you know youve done it right when the table looks vibrant and inviting, the food is irresistible, and the mood is laid-back and relaxed. But entertaining in this modern new wayusing clever styling statements, the freshest ingredients, and stunningly simple recipesmeans that once the guests arrive, youll be free to join in the fun. Within these pages youll find everything you need to throw an affair to remember, no matter what the occasionincluding the tips and tricks that will make the planning and preparation a pleasure at every step along the way. THE BASICS Entertaining is a refreshingly democratic affair.

It doesnt matter if you can barely boil water or if youre a talented chef, whether you live in a tiny studio or in a giant loft. With a little enthusiasm, planning, and creativity, youre capable of just about anything. What youll need, however, is a primer that details the essentials of invitations, food and beverages, and stylish dcor. In the following pages, we start with the nitty-gritty like ice and coatracks and move on to tips for creating a buoyant, festive atmosphere in your home with flowers, lighting, and music. These elements, after all, form the foundation of every memorable celebration. THE INVITATIONS You can spend days, even weeks, envisioning a wonderful party: whos there, what youll serve, where the festivities will unfold.

But it isnt official until you invite the guests. You can do this in a variety of ways, ranging from a quick phone call to a beautifully printed or engraved card. Whatever the format, all invitations serve the same purpose: They set the tone for a celebration and provide guests with all the information they need. On a lighter note, they get everyone (host included) excited for a good time. YOURE INVITED! Share all the vital details while subtly setting the proper tone. PICK THE RIGHT INVITE Think about the kind of party you want to give and choose invitations with the same feel and formality.

If its a very casual occasion, like a dinner party or impromptu drinks with close friends, a phone call is perfectly appropriate. If you want to tell a large number of people about a last-minute gathering in your home (weekend barbecue, group viewing of a TV show finale), invite them by e-mail. For more organized or formal events (a large dinner party, cocktail party, birthday, or holiday open house), written invitations are in order. The easiest method is to send traditional fill-in-the-blank invitations. You may think of them as unimaginative, but thats an old stigma. You can also send invitations electronically.

There are many online invitation sites that offer an extensive selection of digital designs that can be e-mailed to guests at little to no cost and some sites even offer the option to order paper copies of their electronic designs. These days, plenty of stationery companies offer chic, well-designed styles customized for all kinds of occasions. Another even more classic choice is to write the information on a high-quality note carda personalized card is ideal. Custom-printed invitations, which you order at a stationery shop, department store, or online are stylish and exciting to receive, as are , like the one. These are most commonly used to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary, engagement, or shower. Engraved or letterpress invitations signify an extremely fancy party and a posh setting and are typically reserved for weddings.

Of course, those are just guidelines. Bend the rules however youd like, as long as the invitation clearly tells guests what to expect. WHEN AND WHERE Beyond making a striking first impression, the role of the party invitation is to convey facts. Heres what to include: THE REASON FOR THE PARTY (AND WHAT FOOD AND DRINK TO EXPECT): Be as specific as possible. If the occasion is a friends birthday, write something such as Please join us for cake and Champagne to celebrate Lucys 30th. (Make sure the birthday girl doesnt mind sharing her age.) If its a cocktail party, you might say Youre invited for drinks and hors doeuvres.

That way, people wont expect dinner. THE DATE AND TIME: For most parties, especially dinners, a starting time is sufficient. If you want guests to leave at a certain time, include an ending time. This is most appropriate for early cocktail parties (from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., for example), showers, brunches, and kids parties. to 6 P.M., the next might say 4 P.M. to 7 P.M., and so on. to 7 P.M., and so on.

THE LOCATION: If youre inviting people who have never been to your home, include a digital link to a map and/or directions. AN RSVP LINE: Include a phone number and/or e-mail address so people can tell you whether or not they will attend. (The phrase Regrets only is too open-ended.) You might also list a date by which people should reply. If you dont hear from someone and the party is a few days away, follow up with a phone call. ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: If its a surprise, say so on the invitation. If its a wedding or baby shower, include registry information.

Unless its a costume party, a black-tie affair, or you want everyone to wear, say, white, dont dictate a dress code. Terms like festive and creative cause confusion. The invitation wording, style, typeface, and quality of paper should convey what to wear. CONSIDER YOUR CROWD: For special friends, take the time to send a handwritten message along with the invitationIt wont be the same without you. Please, come! For those who have kids, take the time to let them know whether other children will attend the party, and their ages, or whether youll have special kids events or food or a babysitter on duty. Give them the relevant details to help them get there.

If your guests are gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergic to some foods, let them know youve got their needs covered in advance. In consideration of guests with physical limitations, youll need to let them know about access to the venue. And, of course, a friend recovering from a recent breakup would probably want to know if her ex will be there. In other words, run down the names on your list, thinking about what they might need in order to enjoy the party. PERFECT TIMING Theres something luxurious about looking forward to a great party. For that reason, coupled with the fact that everyone is overbooked these days, send invitations well in advance.