How to Host a Chic Party at Home

Champagne can take your party from trash to class in a single pour.

Karl Lagerfeld, head designer and creative director for Chanel, is quoted as having said, "Chic is a kind of mayonnaise, either it tastes, or it doesn't." Good taste is the key to success when throwing a chic party, and it takes a bit more than keeping up with trends to throw the kind of party that keeps people talking.

Instructions

1. Compile a list of guests whom you wish to invite to your party. Keep the number of people on your guest within reason, considering the available space in your house and the cost of food per person.

2. Send paper invitations to all of your guests. Be sure to include the date and time, your home address, and any specific rules regarding dress. Clearly communicate the appropriate level of formality for the event that you wish to throw; having someone show up in business casual while the rest of the guests are in formal attire can upset the atmosphere of the party.

3. Serve suitably upscale food and drink. Lobster and other seafood pairs well with wine, while quality cuts of beef and vegetarian options help to diversify the menu for those with seafood allergies. Be certain that you can accommodate any and all dietary restrictions that your guests might have.

4. Create the appropriate atmosphere for your level of formality. Queue up some jazz or classical music or, if space and budget allow it, hire a live band for the party. Use your best china and crystal, and be sure to avoid any tacky decorations like party streamers or confetti.

5. Greet your guests and try to be the best dressed person there. The key to being a good host at this kind of event lies not only in proper planning and execution, but in being as sociable and lively as possible. Try to embody the spirit of your party and really get everyone to have a good time.

Tips & Warnings

• Use style and cooking magazines if you need a little inspiration for your food, decor or dress.

• Rent fine china, linens and crystal if you don't own any suitable for your event.

References

• MSNBC: Host an Elegant Coctail Party with Ease
• Delish: How to give a truly elegant dinner party