• A seated dinner, as opposed to a cocktail party, encourages your guests to get to know one another.
  
• Lay out your tablecloth the night before a party to avoid wrinkles. Be sure to place foam under the tablecloth to reduce the sound of glasses and plates hitting the hard surface of the table.
  
• For your place cards, use business card stock. It comes perforated and works with any standard printer.
  
• Dim the lights and light candles — everyone looks better in soft lighting. Also, have extra candles close at hand should your party go late into the night.
  
• For a refreshing party beverage, try infusing water and seltzer with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries.

At any party, lively and interesting conversation is the key ingredient for success. Use this icebreaker game to stimulate mingling among guests who might not know each other.

• First, search the Internet for funny and quirky pickup lines.
  
• Print the lines. Then cut and fold each one.
  
• Use a suitable container such as a glass vase, wicker basket, or even a baseball cap.
  
• Place the folded lines in the vessel and give it a good shake. Then, play the game.
  
• Don't leave anyone out in the cold; be sure your guests understand that the game's purpose is to help them get into the spirit of the evening.

Jes Gordon — professional party planner
New York City, N.Y.
212-229-2165
info@jesGORDON.com, www.jesGORDON.com

Chef Resource
866-765-2433
www.chefsresource.com
s'mores kit, $50.

Billy's Bakery
New York, N.Y.
212-647-9956
newyork.citysearch.com/billysbakery

Broadway Famous Party Rentals
Brooklyn, N.Y.
718-821-4000
www.broadwayfamous.com
The beauty of renting your dinnerware is that the price includes delivery, pick-up, and cleaning.
silver punch bowls, $19; amber disc votive, $2; chargers, $3.25; white art deco plates, $1.50; black and gold plates, $.85 each; fruitwood ballroom chairs, $7.25.

Pottery Barn
888-779-5176
www.potterybarn.com
leather pillow covers, $79; Valencia throw pillow, $189 for 6; voluminous pillar holder, $14-29.

Lee's Art Supply
New York, N.Y.
212-247-0110
www.wguides.com/leesartsupply
ribbon, $3 per yard.

Bed, Bath & Beyond
800-462-3966
www.bedbathandbeyond.com
butane lighter, $1.50; 3 x 6 pillar candles, $5 for 2.

Kalan Gifts & Novelties
Landsdowne, Pa.
610-623-1900
Little Black Books