Free Emily Post's Great Get-Togethers by Anna Post Page A

cocktail or dinner party calls for softer lighting. Dimming overheads and using a few table lamps and candles sets the mood for conversation and even romance. For a dinner party, dim the overheads, use wall lights, and light the candles—again, just be sure it’s not too dark, or your guests won’t be able to see their food!
C ANDLES: Candles are the all-time mood setter. From pillars to votives to the classic taper, they’re available everywhere (and make a great hostess gift, too). Candles lend drama and elegance to the space and can be the feature of your table—using candlesticks of varying heights, for example, or votives at each place setting or down the center of the table interspersed with tiny arrangements. Candles are not just for the dining room table; think sideboards, mantelpieces, coffee tables, and the guest bathroom. In general, choose unscented candles. Scented candles can overpower the food, irritate some people, and create soot, which clings to surfaces. Keep safety in mind at all times. Never leave candles unattended and don’t place them near fabric or flammable decorations or in drafty areas. And be sure to extinguish any candle before it burns down to nothing.
S TRING LIGHTS: Strings of lights aren’t just for Christmas anymore. We’ve seen lights in the shapes of dragonflies, mini Chinese lanterns, flowers, chilies, spiders, pirate skulls, even lobsters. Practically every party theme is covered, and they’re all you might need for decoration. White string lights can be added to garlands and hung over windows and doorways or wrapped around a banister to add holiday sparkle. Outside, drape porches or trees with string lights to add romance to evening parties.
L ANTERNS AND TORCHES: Lanterns hung from porches or trees are another charming way to light an evening party. Luminaria—paper bags cut with a lacy pattern and filled with sand and a lit votive—light pathways or outdoor tables. Tiki torches illuminate yards or pathways and have the added benefit of keeping away insects if you burn citronella oil. Again, always keep safety in mind when fire is involved.
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    Baby, It’s Cold Outside
    Don’t forget to think about temperature! A large group of people will warm up a room quickly, as will a fire in a fireplace, so adjust your thermostat before the party begins, lowering the heat setting or raising the setting for air-conditioned spaces. Adjust as needed during the party. Outdoors, you can still enjoy cool evenings if you rent large propane heaters or use a firepit. (See also Chapter 11, A Breath of Fresh Air, page 151.)
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    Start the Music
    C omputers, iPods, and MP3 players make it easier than ever to create the perfect playlist for your party. The sky’s the limit, subject to your CD collection or iTunes account. Matching the music to your party should be fun, not stressful. Give a thought to the party’s flow—when you want your music quiet and when you want it more lively. If you don’t feel like mixing your own playlist, let a store-bought collection do the work for you.
    A word on volume: Unless the focus is on dancing and you want to crank it up, lower the volume so the music subtly sets the mood and isn’t overbearing. Conversation should flow easily—no one should have to shout to be heard.
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    A Tip from Lizzie
    MAKING A PARTY PLAYLIST
    If my party were a movie, what movie would it be? That’s how I start looking for party music. I think of a movie that has the feel of my party, and then I jump on iTunes and search the movie’s sound track for songs and artists. I take those I like, search for more by those artists, and put a mix together. I think about the flow of the party, too, and program quieter songs for right around dinnertime. Hit “Play,” and the music takes care of itself for the evening.
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    The Preparty Cleanup
    I t goes without saying: Your house needs to be clean and tidy if you want it to be fit for company. If you have cleaning help, see if