Party Do’s and Don’ts

This month’s House Beautiful is their “ultimate entertaining issue”, and is of course chock full of good stuffs. I think I dog-eared the whole dang thing, thus rendering it virtually un-shareable with my household, my mother-in-law, my assistant.

My favorite article is called 101 Party Do’s & Don’ts, and my buddy Stephanie Ballard from Covet Living is quoted in it! (Go SMB- yer famous!!)

Here are my top ten party do’s and don’ts from the list, many of which I am constantly preaching to our clients:

1. The host’s mood sets the tone. -Emily Eerdmans

2. Keep hors d’oeuvres to one bite. No one wants to talk or kiss with a mouthful.- Larry Laslo, Designer

3. Crowd the table a little: with more people at the table, no one can ignore their neighbor. -Andrew Fisher, Designer

4. When I was in Italy one summer, our hosts served cashews and potato chips in crystal bowls while we sipped Prosecco. It was a revelation: right-out-of-the-bag snacks become sophisticated when served in a gorgeous dish. -Stephanie Ballard of Covet Living

5. Have beverages visible from the moment guests step into the door. -Matt + Ted Lee (local chefs/authors!)

6. Always start with an empty dishwasher.  -Chesie Breen, Clovermag.com

7. Don’t sit at the head of the table; presumptuous and archaic. -Darryl Carter, Designer

8. Dim the lights or change all your bulbs to 25 watts or less. -Nick Olsen Style

9. Don’t set the table with a single pattern of china or silver, as though you just unearthed your bridal registry. Mix it up, get creative. -Eddie Ross

10. Don’t leave without saying goodbye to the host. -Kathryn M. Ireland, Designer

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