101 Party Do's and Don'ts

This month's House Beautiful is the "Ultimate Entertaining Guide"...and I can't get enough of the articles...perfect for getting everyone revved up for the holidays...but most of these ideas can be used all year long.

"For House Beautiful's ultimate entertaining guide, we asked our favorite designers, event planners, and bloggers for advice about how to host a successful soiree. The experts share their easy tips for setting a stunning dinner table, creating an inviting space for guests, making the perfect playlist, and more. These dinner party ideas will make holiday entertaining a joy"

Here are my favorites:

• Loosen Up:  "Have a stiff drink before anyone arrives. If you are having fun, everyone will have fun." (Miles Redd, designer)
• Make More Than Enough Ice: "Never, never, never run out of ice." (Bryan Batt, actor/shop owner)
• Introduce Other Guests: "Always, always make introductions. If you're going to make a guest feel alienated, why invite them?" (Jessica Nell Graves, thelovelist.net)
• Keep Champagne on Hand: "You should always have a cold bottle of bubbly stashed in your refrigerator in case friends drop by, and a bottle of something sparkly for nondrinkers." (Christopher Hirsheimer, Co-founder, Canal House Cooking)
• Make Clean-Up Simpler: "Always start with an empty dishwasher." (Chesie Breen, founder, clovermag.com)
• Linger at the Table "Don't tidy up the table too soon. Once the plates are cleared away, often so is the mood." (Lisa Borgnes Giramonti,abloomsburylife.blogspot.com)
• Seat Guests Wisely: "People with big personalities are best in the center of the table. They can help carry the conversation from that place." (Michael S. Smith, designer)
• Seat People Closely: "Crowd the table a little: With more people at the table, no one can ignore their neighbor." (Andrew Fisher, designer)
• Write Thank-You Notes: "Handwritten thank-you notes after being entertained are a must." (Grant K. Gibson, designer)
• Stock the Bar: "Don't run low on the hooch!" (David Jimenez, Designer)
• Make Dessert: "Serve an amazing dessert. Even the worst main course will be forgotten if it's followed by a spectacular dessert. Extra points for making it yourself." (Michael Devine, shop owner/textile designer)...or order some Sweet Jennies cookies!!