How to Entertain Like Kate Spade

Who wouldn’t want to live the Kate Spade life? From its cheerfully feminine accessories to its über-chic furniture line that launched this year, the brand has mastered an effortless style that is at once sophisticated and impossibly fun. Its swoon-worthy Instagram account is full of festive vignettes with just the right amount of whimsy. And this year, to put the icing on the cake, the fashion house released an entertaining guide, All in Good Taste, which offers that joyful, carefree sensibility to all hosts. In celebration of its release, Kate Spade New York president and chief creative officer Deborah Lloyd offers her top tips for a fête that is fun, memorable, and, of course, ridiculously chic.

Go for personality over perfection “The secret to a memorable party is putting people in a good mood,” says Lloyd. “There should be a glass of something sparkling to greet them, great conversation, lots of laughter, a few broken glasses, and, of course, dancing in the kitchen.” The Kate Spade New York team shuns striving for perfection: All in Good Taste opens with the words “If it doesn’t go awry, then it isn’t a party.”

Find the best guests The two questions Lloyd encourages when curating a guest list: (1) Who’s interesting? and (2) Who will appreciate the party? She explains, “Dream guests leave all their troubles at the door and are prepared to meet new friends, have fun, and throw caution to the wind!”

When in doubt, choose snail mail Forget the email blast or Facebook invite: “There’s something to be said for a handwritten invitation,” says Lloyd. “Take the time to write a personal note and the party details on stationery or a postcard.”

Dress to impress “Encourage guests to dress up; it will make the night all the more memorable,” says Lloyd. It is a party, after all.

Dust off the fine china “No celebration is too small for your best china,” Lloyd says. “In fact, I sometimes serve takeout curry on my finest china with Champagne in crystal flutes.”

Find the right note “When it comes to music, think of your party like a film,” Lloyd suggests. Your party theme is the plot, guests are the characters, and your music should be a fitting soundtrack.

Offer a toast It’s a nice celebratory touch and a simple way to put guests in the party spirit. If you haven’t prepared, Kate Spade New York offers a quick fix: the Mad Libs–inspired “Toast-in-a-Pinch.” Simply fill in the blanks, toast, and party.

Drink and be merry! Of course, drinks are a necessary part of every fête. “While most people stick to classics, take things a step further with a signature cocktail,” Lloyd says. Her suggestion? The Old Cuban, a favorite from Bemelmans Bar at New York’s Carlyle Hotel. Recipe below.

2 oz. Bacardi 8 5 or 6 fresh mint leaves (plus a sprig for garnish) ½ oz. fresh lime juice ½ oz. simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 oz. Champagne

Serve over ice.

Cheers!

This post was originally published here: How to Entertain Like Kate Spade

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