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“Green” parties are also increasing in popularity, and make foraffordable decorating, said professional party planner KimberlyGoetz, owner of A Pixie Planned Event.prepared food and several easy recipe directions. Do the samefor the drinks, but on a separate table which has both alcohol andnonalcoholic options, Nguyen said.Potted flowers are cheaper than large floral arrangements, are lesswasteful and double as party favors, she said. The plastic pots canbe dressed up with fabric and ribbon to match your theme, andcan then be taken home by guests as a colorful reminder of theevening. One mistake that most often drags down a cocktail partyis making the food and drinks uninteresting and difficult to serve.“It’s always good to spend time developing the menu because it’sthe main thing that keeps people there,” said professional partyplanner Uyen Nguyen, owner of Sassy Girl Weddings and Events.“Music is important, but it doesn’t keep people at a party the wayfood and drinks do.”Don’t just plan out the appetizers and the dinner dishes — thedrink menu should be as carefully crafted as the main course,Nguyen said. People most enjoy interactive parties that providesomething to do and talk about. A great way to host an interactiveparty is by setting up tables in which your guests can becometheir own chefs and bartenders.To do this, set out an attractively arranged array of fresh or partiallyTo up the fun, propose a contest like “Most Delicious Martini”.This not only gives your guests something to do and encouragesmingling, but it also diffuses some of the stress away from thehost — leaving you with more time to enjoy your guests.On the night of your event — even if you preplanned and feeltotally ready — be prepared to be surprised.“Whatever you do, don’t panic, and remember that everything isreplaceable,” Goetz said. “Things can happen at any event, andyou just have to roll with it.”The worst reaction to have as a host is to respond negatively to anyissues that arise, such as wine spills, broken glasses, or burningthe main course. “You can’t change the mood of the party justbecause there was an accident, and there are always remedies,”Goetz said, “You must always have a backup plan.”Lastly, the best solution when your nerves start feeling frayed isto return back to the basics: have a seat, open another bottle ofwine and let yourself enjoy your own party. nlongbeachmagazine.com 29