Many of us would love to throw an elegant party year after year, but at a certain point, even if you've been drinking too much champagne to notice, many of our friends become parents. If you entertain quite a bit and those friends bring fabulous hostess gifts, you might want to consider inviting their children to your next party.
You've got a couple of options here. You could hire a baby sitter to keep the kids entertained in the rec room or a spare bedroom. (Side note: Keep in mind that not every child will go for this option. The thought of being separated from mom and dad in a strange home might leave your littlest guest clinging to mom or dad.) Some board games, chicken fingers and a stack of kid-friendly DVDs will keep kids occupied long enough for their parents to enjoy a few cocktails and dinner courses. Or, you can set up a kids' table adjacent to the adults' so everyone can have dinner together. If you're going this route, keep a few things in mind. First, in case things get messy, spread a sheet or painter's tarp under the table. Second, kids will appreciate a special place setting, too, so add personalized place cards at their designated spots. An activity will keep them focused, so top the table with a long sheet of butcher's paper, and give the kids plenty of crayons to draw with. When you're ready to serve coffee and dessert over at the adults' table, supply the kids with a platter of sugar cookies, tubs of frosting, colored sugar and sprinkles.
Cater to the kids as much as you like, but don't let them use your fine china. Never put anything at a children's table that might cause you to be upset if it broke. There's some great plasticware on the market right now. Plus, it puts the kids' parents at ease if they don't have to be watching their child like a hawk.
#4. Linen Napkins
Nothing turns down the volume on an elegant dinner party quite like paper napkins. When you're entertaining, nice napkins are a non-negotiable. Choose off-white linens, the color shows fewer stains, party after party. The napkins should be soft but not leave lint all over your guests' clothes. A thoughtful hostess will have a stash of black napkins for guests wearing dark-colored clothing. To prepare your linen napkins for dinner service, you've got to iron them. (Yes, it's a hassle, but each little detail adds up to a perfect table.) Drape a terry-cloth towel across your ironing board to create an even surface, and iron with the weave of the fabric. Use a little starch to get a crisp finish; it will also serve as a stain-blocker.
As the hostess, there's a good chance you'll have to excuse yourself from the table during the meal to check on your chocolate soufflé or grab another bottle of wine. Mind your manners, and place the napkin in your chair -- not on the table or the back of your seat as some waiters are apt to do in restaurants.
#3 Home Decor
Adding little touches throughout your home adds an element of that is sure to keep your friends wondering how you can give so much attention to all of the little details. If your party has a theme or is based on a season or holiday use that as your starting point. If it's a Christmas party and you've decided to use red and white as your "colors" add little touches to the bar, the buffet table and even an arrangement of fresh red and white flowers in your restroom.
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