Plan party decorations around a Xmas theme From page 16 red candles around the room, even in the bathroom. Lighting is im- portant, so turn off as many lights as possible to let the candles, tree lights and fire provide a cosy glow of light. An unusual theme can work as well as a traditional one, as long as you follow it through complete- ly. Use unique ornaments, such as balloons, in a festive centrepiece or ‘‘bouquet’’ on the table. Balloons took great covering areas of the floor, perhaps coated with glitter, with streamers thrown across them to create a magical atmosphere. Design your room as a ‘‘stage’’ to be used just as actors block a set, according to the routes your guest will travel in, with props and furniture in appropriate, - non-blocking areas, and providing a focal point to the room, often where food and drinks are placed. Be sure the area looks set up to accommodate the right number of people, and remove anything breakable from the room so you and your guests can relax. Music is essential to creating atmosphere. If it isn’t live background music, (how about a small string ensemble?) be sure to use a good sound system, and blend a mix of Christmas carols and jazz or your favorite bands, adding more dance songs later on in the evening. - Food tends to be the major concern in party planning, but as long as it tastes good, looks great and is able to sit for a few hours, it doesn’t really matter what it in- cludes. It doesn’t need to be a lot of different items or gourmet rec- ipes, just simply good finger food. if you don’t want to get stuck in the kitchen for hours preparing, potluck is still de rigeur. For dessert, don't overdo it since guests are usually over- whelmed with sweets during the season. Make one or two tradi- tional items with an addition that won't be seen at other parties, such as hazelnut) shortbread or cranberry cheesecake. Serve a cheese and fruit ay as an option, too. Decorate trays with fern, holly, pine cones, nuts and orange slices. Paper plates with a Christmas pattern are best for easy cleanup. Use fabric napkins or make your own with detail that adds tux to your party mood. Simply cut the fabric into squares and quickly machine sew around the edges. Fold into trian- gles. Mulled wine, a champagne punch, and non-alcoholic punch made with cranberry juice, orange juice and citrus pop is a great trio for festive drinking and doesn’t stress the liquor choice too heavi- Keep interest circulating among your guests, get them doing some- thing together, whether it's a midnight fondue or dancing. You may like to ask each guest to bring a gift under $2 to be pooled for Santa’s bag, which can be given out randomly, and traded if they wish, during the evening. Not only does this keep them mingling, it gives guests something to take away as a souvenir of the evening. If you prefer, offer them a tree ornament or specially made candy cane which they can take right off the tree, just before they leave. Or have a person dressed in a tuxedo at the exit with a silver tray, of- fering them roses or a perfumed sachet. ‘Other tips: Don’t get stressed about trivialities like where to put coats or where everyone should H,A | Conpeny cordially extends SPECIAL INVITATION To All First-Time Clients to enjoy a FALL MAKE- OVER A great cut and the right finishing products can i take you from.a smashing day look to a dramatic after-hour Jook. 50% off your first Cut or Color or After Perm! | During the month of December, 1992. 1981 Lonsdale Avenue 985-9101 INTERNATIONAL North Vancouver JOICO* Before two metres of * “richly printed festive fabric, for a sit. Don't plan a time when people will eat, and don’t wy to foree conversations between two strang- ers — Jet things take their natural COUrse. 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