Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Party Essentials


Everyone should have the following if you plan on entertaining more than one person in your home, and especially if you plan on entertaining the right way.


Wine Glasses
Everyone should own a set of 4. They are not that expensive, so you have no excuse. Granted, it's chic to use small drinking glasses or stemless wine glasses, but I prefer the traditional. Cheap ones can be found at Ikea. When in doubt, go with red wine glasses as they can be used for white as well. (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50133069)

A Serving Platter
It's better to have one of these than putting your snacks and hors d'ouevres on a regular ole plate. Platters are decorative, larger and shows you are an expert host/hostess. I like the ones available at Elsewares.com. (http://www.elsewares.com/commerce/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=tray&x=0&y=0)

Candles
These can be tapered (as seen on traditional dining room tables) or they can be pillar candles if your setting is a coffee table. Either way, they add to ambient lighting and the scented ones add an extra "spice" to the party. Joe Malone has some great ones, although you can definitely find cheaper at Bath & Body Works. (http://www.jomalone.com/templates/landing/candles.tmpl)

Wine and Snacks.
I always try to have two spare bottles of wine in my apartment for impromptu dinner parties or spontaneous guests. I also think everyone should have a set of snacks, like nuts or oriental snack mix (http://www.nutsonline.com/snacksmixes/oriental-mix.html).

Seating
It's important that your guests are comfortable. So have a set of folding chairs (if your apt is small you can easily store these), or a set of throw pillows so people can sit on the floor and not hurt their bum. Try Target (http://www.target.com/gp/search/ref=sr_ln_2/178-9805031-4724842?ie=UTF8&rh=k%3Apillow%2Cn%3A1038616&field-keywords=pillow)

XOXO

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