How to Host a Stylish Manhattan Party

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York City Luxury Real Estate , Hamptons Rentals, home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

If you’ve been to a swanky party at upscale locations like Manhattan or the Hamptons, you may be inspired to host your own party. When you think of throwing your own Manhattan inspired party, think of transforming your place from a cozy home to a glamorous party pad. Follow these easy fashionista tips to make your event be the talk of the town!

The first step to getting ready for your party is to set up the layout of your place. Move big furniture to the side of the room to allow for more room to mingle.  Use a mix of seating arrangements to allow for people to relax and have intimate conversations; use different size tables and mixes of chairs and couches. Try not to line your walls with chairs, it’ll feel too much like a grade school dance and won’t encourage people to mingle as much.

For decorations, think of old Hollywood and bring in the glam to your place! Use white tablecloths to cover your tables as a clean backdrop for your accessories and décor. Use silver, black and purple colors to bring in a luxurious feel. Bring these colors in with the centerpieces and cutlery. Keep your lights low and bring in candles in low centerpieces to bring in warmth. Make your own centerpieces to save money by simply using small bowls, decorative stones or sand and place a couple of pillar candles in the middle. Keep your centerpiece low so guests can see and talk over them.

Food and drinks are a main part of any party. Do not feel like you need to have your food and drinks catered however. For drinks, pick out a couple of cocktail recipes to mix up and have them ready to serve in pitchers. Stock some beer and sodas as well. To save some money, buy box wine and have it chilling in pitchers. You can save money on food by preparing it yourself. Think of small snacks that are easy to eat like cookies, shrimp or small pieces of pizza. If you buy a something premade, like a veggie tray, transfer them to your own trays to keep the glamorous feel.  Spread your food throughout the room to encourage people to move around and mingle.

Follow these tips and you’re bash will be successful and fun for everyone! Share any other easy party tips for our other socialites!

Thank you to Megan Gates for guest posting on Diaries of a Domestic Goddess.  Please don’t forget to leave her some comments here and visit her on Twitter at @MEGatesDesign