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Prep Your Home For Entertaining With Ken Fulk and More

Being the perfect host takes more than just a full bar and a tray full of canapés.

It also requires well-designed spaces that are comfortably elegant and conducive to good conversation. Now that we are gathering with friends and family in our homes again, it’s time to think about the settings that will make any party a success.

“Let’s have a party. Let’s have it tonight.”

—Lilly Pulitzer

No matter what type of gathering you are hosting, the design details are important, from flowers to furniture to the paint on the walls. Interior designer and color consultant Martin Kesselman says, “Creating a mood, not only a spatial scheme in objects and decoration, but a color palette that supports the vision of the space, is so important. You can create moods, moments, romance, even drama with color.”

From an intimate dinner for two to a formal cocktail party, the queen of party planning, Martha Stewart, has three simple rules: 1. Pay attention to your guests. 2. Interact with them. 3. Feed them fine food and wine.

“Life is a party. Dress for it.”

—Audrey Hepburn

“Happiness is finding two olives in your martini when you’re hungry.”

—Johnny Carson

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”

—Oscar Wilde
Now that you’re reading to entertain, don’t miss Ken Fulk’s top entertaining tips.