Making the house look special
For a formal party, elegant simplicity may be best. For example, a bouquet of flowers from the garden, a classic tablesetting, and quiet background music may be all that you need. When light-hearted fun is the focus, you may want to do more with decorations and ambiance.

If you like, start outdoors. Adorn the front lawn or driveway with festive touches. For example, torches for a Polynesian theme, balloons for a birthday, or luminarias at Christmas. For a Halloween party, add a few well-positioned ghosts and goblins outside and carry the theme throughout the house.

When figuring out how to make guests feel welcome, use your nose as well as your eyes. Set out potpourri, fresh greens, and other fragrant items to give the whole house a special scent. Or, to make the house seem welcoming, bake a fragrant loaf of bread or some cookies, just before party time. Or, simmer stick cinnamon and whole cloves in a little water on top of the range.

Background music will help set the mood of a party, too. Select the type of music that best fits your theme, but be sure to keep it low so guests can chat easily over the sound. Candles also give a festive feel, but be sure to keep safety in mind. Keep flames away from paper, greens, or other flammable objects. Make sure candles aren't placed where party goers will knock them over or brush against them with their clothing.

Making the table look special
The way you set your table can range from sophisticated to down-home. Both styles can work equally well. How you top your table depends on the occasion and what you like.

When it comes to table coverings, use your ingenuity— just about anything goes. For formal occasions, think about fine linen, lace, or heirloom quilts.At informal get-togethers, turn to homey place mats, holiday runners, large print handkerchiefs, or even big squares of colorful paper.

There are few hard and fast rules about centerpieces. You can use everything from a sophisticated floral arrangement to a simple collection of greenery.Or, take a look at the knickknacks around your house. A favorite Victorian dish filled with seashells, ornaments, or fruit may work perfectly. For sit-down dinners, remember to keep centerpieces low enough that guests easily can see each other.

Add charm and warmth to the table with some well-thought-out personal touches. For example, tie a sprig of holly to the base of each guest's water glass for a holiday party. Or, add a single red carnation at each Valentine's place setting. Or, turn the tables on birthday well wishers by giving them small wrapped boxes containing homemade candy, a frame for a wallet-size photo, or a small decorative candle.

Be resourceful with dinnerware too. You may not have a complete set of the finest china, but don't let that stifle your serving style. Mix and match patterns. When artfully mixed, china and stemware of various styles will create more intrigue than perfectly matched sets. Also, take another look at your everyday objects. Large bowls, baskets, and clear plastic buckets work well as serving pieces, and ceramic tiles can become coasters.

Making the food look special
To lend pizzazz to your party, your food needs to do more than taste great. It must look the part, too. Follow these simple hints and your dishes will be as eye-catching as they are delicious.

Add sparkle to foods with easy garnishes. Make sure the garnishes contrast in color and texture with the food. They should enhance the dishes, not overpower them. Orange or lemon wedges or slices, fresh herb sprigs, fresh berries, small clusters of grapes, edible flowers, thin slices of carrot, sliced green onions, toasted nuts or coconut, grated chocolate, and dollops of mayonnaise, sour cream, or whipped cream all work well as quick attractive garnishes.

When serving buffet-style, remember large trays of food can look messy and unappealing once they begin to empty. Use several smaller plates or trays rather than a large one, so that half-empty plates can easily be replaced with full ones.

For eye appeal, fill deep-dish bowls above the rim. Then shape the food in a mound and decorate it. Foods also look larger and more striking when framed in a complete ring. For example, surround a cheese ball with a circle of crackers or colorful vegetables.

Fresh vegetables make colorful and convenient serving containers. Red, green, or yellow sweet pepper shells or hollowed-out tomatoes or red cabbages make great holders for carrot sticks, green onions, or zucchini spears. They also are great containers for dips, spreads, or chilled sauces.

Making your guests feel special
The most important feature of a good party is a warm feeling of hospitality. A cheerful welcome at the door will put guests in the right mood and let them know how much you value their company. Introductions, when necessary, also will help your guests feel more at ease. Finally, spend as much time as you can with each of your guests. There's no better way to ensure each one has a good time.