Here, your guide to turning those late nights out into late nights in with these tips for stylish soirees.
Decor
The easiest way to create a feeling of luxury is with candles. Buy a candelabra at Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond for your centerpiece and place smaller candles around the base and along the table. Start collecting candles when you see them on sale, and when the day of your dinner party arrives, place them on the table in varying heights and colors. Candles can be used over and over so they are a great investment.
Create a festive vibe by downloading a mix to your iPod.
No need to spend on a full set of china. Instead, mix and match dinner plates and glassware — it's trendy and it adds to the experience. Your guests will think you did it on purpose.
Plan your menu with colorful food. If you are serving meat, select colored vegetables like carrots and broccoli.
Drinks
BYOB — why not? Most guests will bring a bottle of wine as a house gift anyway. Don't store the wine; use it the night of your party. I'm a big fan of California sparkling wine — it's less expensive than champagne and tastes delicious. Also, vodka is on the market in every flavor imaginable. Put your mixologist skills to the test and create martinis using pomegranate or blueberry vodka. One bottle of vodka will go a long way, and your guests will enjoy trying your flavored drinks — they won't even miss the expensive vino.
Dessert
Make your own chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. They are decadent, and, more important, really easy to make. Buy fresh strawberries and chocolate in the baking section of your market. For under $15 your guests will be blown away by your effort and creativity.
Do Without...
To save money, cut back or completely eliminate using fresh-cut flowers — they are expensive and don't last. Instead, decorate your dinner table using things you already own. Use a favorite house plant as a centerpiece or replace your picture frames with pictures of the guests attending your party.
Wendy Gordon is director of catering at the Russian Tea Room.
-
Former Vanity Fair Editor Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will “Live to Regret” Not Keeping in Touch with the Royal Family
“That will come back to haunt them at a certain point.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Friends Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Were Both at the Monaco Grand Prix—But Never Seen With Each Other
It has fans wondering if everything’s okay between the two.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
24 Whiskey Cocktail Recipes to Whip Up for St. Patrick's Day
If you're feeling lucky on March 17, say sláinte and try one of these spirited sips.
By Michelle Stansbury
-
Meet the Woman Blending the Traditional and the Modern in French Winemaking
How Florence Haynes combined the traditional and the contemporary for Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire.
By Sponsored
-
The 10 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets
The nonstick pans, pots, and skillets that make cooking easy.
By Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute
-
The Royal Family Shared the Recipe for the Queen's Favorite Boozy Christmas Pudding
The Royal Family Twitter account shared the royal chef's recipe for the Queen's favorite boozy Christmas pudding.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
5 Best Soda Streams for Convenient Carbonation
Upgrade your sparkling water game with a Soda Stream carbonator that'll fizz up drinks in a flash.
By Zarah A. Kavarana
-
3 Pro Tips for Putting Together the Best Bouquets
Essential advice for everyday enthusiasts and budding florists alike.
By Marie Claire
-
Natural Wines That Taste as Good as They Look
If you haven't gone au natural yet, it's time to start.
By Taylore Glynn
-
39 Super Easy Fourth of July Cocktails to Try
Forget the fireworks. The real show is what you can make with your bar cart.
By Bianca Rodriguez