Party Prep | Host vs. Guest

Hosting a dinner party is no small fete. To ensure you're the hostess with the mostess (and guests want to return next time), here are a few pointers for an enjoyable evening. 

1. Keep it simple. As mentioned yesterday, you should know the rules well enough that you can break them fabulously. Have fun with your tabletops and bring in festive stemware and chairs. That beings said, set the stage so guests feel important. There is nothing wrong with bringing beauty to your tabletops.
2. Pull up a seat with a stranger. Mix friends and strangers so the evening has a more the merrier vibe. Over the course of a meal, new friendships will be forged. 
3. Dress the part, but don't go overboard. You want festive attire but nothing that will constrict the way you move (or hurt your feet). Go for the sparkle but don't be so serious. 
4. Invest in the food you serve. Serve a family favorite or personalized drink. Guests will appreciate such a soulful touch. If that just isn't an option, find a great caterer who will provide a custom menu.
5. Set up an easy buffet and bar area that is easily accessible for the cocktails sure to come before and after dinner. 
6. Be gracious!

Being a good guest is equally as important. Know the rules and don't break them.

1. RSVP. Don't call at the last minute to cancel, unless you want to ensure you're on the naughty guest list (i.e. no invite next year).
2. Dress code. Know the difference between cocktail attire, black tie, and casual attire. Who What Wear has a great post on what to wear for the holidays. (Note: Casual does not mean jeans. Keep it classy.)
3. Understand that the party or dinner does not revolve around you. Learn the difference between exchanging ideas and just expressing your opinion. Ask questions and move between groups of people. Rule numero uno - no gossiping. 
4. Bring a fabulous hostess gift. A bottle of wine is a nice gesture, but go a step further and think about something that really represents the host. From stationary to a holiday ornament, you can really go wherever you want here. 
5. Don't overindulge. Social drinking is to be expected, but being drunk only ensures you'll be paying for a cab and not asked to return next time around. 
6. Be gracious!

The number one rule of the season: Enjoy yourself! What a blessing to be around family and friends. 

Playlist // Trick-or-Treat

The time for tricks and treats is nearly here. Don't get caught sitting on your pumpkin with no music when the guests arrive. We compiled our favorite modern mix of spooktacular tunes perfect for costume parties and young trick-or-treaters. Enjoy!

TO DO // Summer's Last Hurrah

Summer, you were great, but we're moving on. Our last hurrah of the summer involves a lot of work in Oklahoma with great vendors (hopefully, we will get to share more with you soon), but once we get home, we plan to chill and enjoy the last few official days of the hot months by looking forward to fall. 

1. Breakfast in bed? We still need to catch up on all those September issues, not to mention our favorite blogs!
2. We love Marchesa's pinterest inspiration board. All the lovely details you would expect from the glamorous fashion duo. We see much more Marchesa in our future. 
3. Our favorite china patterns tend to go on the table, of course. However, it's hard to pass up this delightful wallpaper when it comes in blue + white. #classicsrule 
4. Inspired by the Mui Mui's veritable feast during fashion week, we're thinking up new ideas for displaying goodies at future parties. Perhaps a party with our friends to bounce ideas of each other and come up with creative concepts. Sounds fun! Just look at the Girls Day In party Rue shared on their blog. Can't wait to try this out!
5. Speaking of fun Fall fetes, how about a vintage botanical party inspired by your friends at 100 Layer Cake? We'd love to take this to the next level with #POSHVintage. 

Your turn! How are you spending the last weekend of summer?

Spotted: The Gifts that Keep on Giving

Dallas has some pretty great blogs and magazines, but the revamped FD Luxe is quickly becoming one of our favorite monthly glossies. Their deep pocket gift guide is beyond fun, dare we say rivaling the great Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.  Our favorite pick? It's Your Party - an amazing event for any occasion from the brilliant team at Jackson Durham. Just check out the pedigree of this stellar event and floral design firm here. We've seen first hand what they can bring and can't wait to see what type of whimsical soiree they come up with for such a lucky recipient. A close second pick was the shoe of the month club, picked by none other than Brian Bolke from Forty Five Ten, because, well, obviously. See these great gift ideas for that special prince or princess in your life here.

left: photographs by MAXINE HELFMAN | styling by BRITTANY WINTER  courtesy of FD LUXE | right: Gold Lace Filigree Champagne Flutes from P.O.S.H. COUTURE RENTALS  

left: photographs by MAXINE HELFMAN | styling by BRITTANY WINTER  courtesy of FD LUXE | right: shoes available at  FORTY FIVE TEN