Laid-Back Party Planner

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Hangtags as wine charmsMarcus Nilsson

The basics of entertaining, from how much to serve to stress-free party ideas.

Party Planning Checklist

These think-ahead steps from professional party planners will help you enjoy your party as much as your guests.

  • Make an invitation list. For a large cocktail party, invite 20 percent more people than you can fit, since typically only 70 percent to 80 percent of invitees attend.
  • Decide on a theme, if you want one. Make, buy, or borrow any decorations or music you may need to fit the theme.
  • Send invitations. Mail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable.

View The Entire Checklist

How To: Make A Cosmopolitan

Every good hostess should master one great cocktail recipe, and tasty cosmopolitans are always impressive crowd-pleasers. Follow this quick technique and your guests will be raising a glass to you in no time. Cheers!

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