9 Party Items for the New Year - Hampton Hostess

For the last guest in the "9 in the New Year" series, I am delighted to have Barbara from HAMPTON HOSTESS. She has a flawless eye and loves to entertain at her home in Southampton, so I knew her top picks would be top notch! 

1. Invitations - Don't you love receiving a pretty invitation in the mail?  If you are having more than 8 for dinner, send out an invitation.  Barbara's favorite? THE PRINTERY in Oyster Bay has note cards that are luxurious, chic and stylish.

2. Flowers - For instant drama, arrange beautiful white orchids in small vases and arrange them around the table. Add votives and voila! 

3. Individual Salt and Pepper Cellars - Natural elements add drama to your table. Barbara places small shells with salt and pepper at each setting. You can order a set HERE.

4. Rose Wine - DOMAINES OTT is light, delicious and beautifully pink.

5. Jewelry For The Table - RABLABS BRAZILIAN AGATE serving plate is stunning.  Cheese and crackers never looked so good!

6. Playlist - Set the mood for the evening with hip, Parisian lounge music from HOTEL COSTES. 

7. You Wear It Well - Something chic and comfortable like Calypso's Ikat CAFTAN DRESS is party perfect.

8. Simply Delicious - CHICKEN TAGINE looks like you slaved all day, but the delicious dish is really a one pot wonder.

9.Bite Size Dessert - Serve mini BROWNIES and small CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES for dessert-everyone loves a little sweet!

Top Image: Carolyn Roehm

9 Party Items for the New Year - Maddie G Designs

I am delighted that you all are enjoying this series! The next guest is Susie from MADDIE G DESIGNS. Susie is an interior designer (and blogger) based in Dallas and named her company after her daughter, Maddie. She was kind enough to share her 9 Party Items.

1. A Cocktail to start like an Italian Margarita RECIPE or a French Martini RECIPE

2. Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins like these from BELLA LINO 

3. Mini PHYLLO CUPS upgrade any dip to a passed hors d'oeuvre

4. A fun APRON

5. A fresh and seasonal CENTERPIECE

6. Think about seating before guests arrive and PLACE CARDS are the perfect touch

7. Good food goes without saying, but try making an unusual dessert to delight your guests like STICKY DATE PUDDING during the winter months 

Or PAVLOVA when the weather gets warmer

8. A successful party depends on the right people - so mix a good group of your friends and family.

9. Music sets the tone for any party. Susie likes ABORIGINAL TUNES for background music

Susie - Thank you for such fun tips! 

9 Party Items for the New Year - Pretty Pink Tulips

Elizabeth was the very first blogger to contact me when I launched the blog last summer. It turns out we have some fabulous mutual friends. She is one of the kindest, warmest and stylish ladies online and I adore her. Be sure to check out her blog PRETTY PINK TULIPS and you, too, will be a fan!  I had to include her in my 9 in the New Year Series.

Items for a birthday luncheon for a girlfriend

1. Calligraphied Invitations - This one is from SARA'S PARTY PERFECT

2.  Pink Peonies - Elizabeth's favorite flower (shhhhhh....don't tell the tulips) Order some HERE

3. Real Glasses - Sometimes people like to use plastic glassware, but Elizabeth is a firm believer in real glasses. How about THESE from Crate and Barrel? They are stylish and inexpensive. 

4. Pink Champagne - Elizabeth's favorite is LAURENT-PERRIER CUVEE ROSE BRUT

5. Outdoor Venue - While not always possible, it makes an event magical. How beautiful is this table setting from SUNDAY SUPPERS?

6. A Beautiful Cake - This one is an angel food cake from style maven CAROLYNE ROEHM

7. Celebration Candles - Tall skinny TAPERS are so elegant!

8. Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins - The very best are from LEONTINE LINENS and make any occasion a bit more elegant.

9. Party Favors - Elizabeth always gives her guests a "little something" as they are leaving.

Elizabeth - Please put me on your invite list!

Top Image: Casa Sugar, Bottom Image: Everything Fabulous

9 Party Items for the New Year - Haven and Home

Next in the series of party "must haves" from stylish fellow bloggers is the lovely and talented Marianne from HAVEN AND HOME. You will love her great eye and southern charm!

1. Coasters like THESE

2. Prosecco for Morning, Noon or Night, this is always a crowd favorite. Try NINO FRANCO

3. Something sparkly like this CARDIGAN.

4. Comfortable and chic shoes. When in doubt go with a WEDGE!

5. A beautifully scented candle. Marianne's favorite is RED FRUIT by Botanicus.

6. Stylish Paper Napkins. Yes, cloth napkins are preferable, but if Marianne is being honest, paper usually wins in her house.  A great source is IKEA.

7. Mason jars filled with candles and scattered down the center of the table. Instant ambiance and so simple!

8. PANDORA The genius website takes the pressure off of you to come up with a great play list.  Depending on the crowd, Marianne's favorites stations for entertaining: Van Morrison, Bruno Mars and Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

9. RECIPE CARDS When guests request the recipe, Marianne gives them a personal recipe card.  Love this idea!

Mason Jar Image: Apartment Therapy

Marianne - You truly have southern hospitality! I want a seat at your table.