By Colin Cowie

For me, one of life’s greatest joys is bringing family and friends together. And when it comes to entertaining, I believe in keeping it easy and being resourceful. Plan in advance, think through the details and I guarantee you will have a wonderful time and enjoy being with your guests.

Ambiance
Remember that a great party, big or small, luxurious or casual, takes careful orchestration. Take your time to think of the theme that will express your personal style. Step back and imagine the celebration that feels right. Once you figure that out, the necessary pieces will start to come together naturally. For some real excitement, try choosing a theme that is rooted in a specific culture, and include mementos that will call it to mind in your design. Authentic fireplaces, vodka cocktails and caviar are the perfect ingredients for your Russian-themed party, and colorful lanterns and painted fans are a wonderful match for a Japanese evening.

Color scheme
Choose colors that will complement each other, like reds and oranges or blues and grays—whatever will suit the occasion. Then use the colors to accent all the furnishings and table settings. This will help tie the scene together and add charm and elegance to your design.

Music
Background music sets the mood for the evening, and it is absolutely essential you choose wisely. Something light and pleasant is a good choice for a casual gathering and allows for dinner conversation. To stay true to your theme, play music from the part of the world that inspired the occasion. If dancing is included in your plans, make sure the beat picks up as the guests find their way to the dance floor. Some parties should never end too early, and the right DJ will ensure that dancing goes on till morning.

Table Setting
Whether you are planning a sit-down dinner or a casual cocktail evening, there are many creative touches you can add to the layout. Think outside the ordinary. Try setting the bar with multicolored glasses of various styles and sizes. Your collection may range from department-store bargains to unique flea-market finds. This will give your guests an option of choosing a glass in their own personal style. Don’t overlook the details. A beautiful pattern on the tablecloth will be pleasing to the eye and add a festive look to your table.

Food
I always say that food is like theater: it should be inviting to the eye as well as the palate. It’s the little touches that will make your table totally irresistible. Put your heart into designing the menu for the evening. Try adding the theme colors of the party to the dishes. For example, if red is the shade of the evening, raspberries will make a wonderful and delicious garnish. To accent the reds with some orange tones, try serving your shrimp on a bed of dried apricots.

Simplicity
Don’t turn into a host who spends the entire night in the kitchen, appearing to your guests only briefly between courses. Prepare in advance so that you can be a guest at your own party. You should be glued to a dining room chair, not chained to the kitchen stove. Don’t be afraid to serve really great prepared foods or even take-out. Remember, what counts is getting together for some quality time with interesting, engaging people who will enrich your life.

Personal Touch
Always remember that style, creativity, thoughtfulness, organization and common sense are the key elements to any great party. Regardless of the kind of event you are planning, make sure it is truly personal and reflective of your tastes. True style is a sense of self, a confidence and graciousness that is evident to everyone you come into contact with.

Sources:
www.colincowie.com
“Dinner After Dark” by Colin Cowie