George's Party Planning Tips

Updated 3:18 PM EDT, Wed, Aug 29, 2012

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We teamed up with event designer, Karen Bussen, to help Lee and Cindy Milazzo throw an art gallery-inspired party. Karen, the author of Simple Stunning Parties at Home, proved that you don't have to spend a lot of money to throw a great party.

Tip #1: When In Doubt, Rent

Don’t have enough glasses, plates, or silverware to throw a large party? You don’t need to go disposable. You can call a party rental company such as Party Rental Ltd.

Tip #2: Give Them Something To Talk About
Every party needs a conversation piece. For Lee and Cindy Milazzo's party, we rented a pig sculpture that serves as a table and a horse-shaped lamp from Taylor Creative Props.

Tip # 3: Raise the Bar
A full bar isn’t a necessity to have a good party. Get the essentials, a white wine, a red wine, a sparkling wine, a good beer, and a signature cocktail. We used Wily Jack wine, Lunetta Prosecco, Smirnoff, and Tanqueray. Find great cocktail recipes at thebar.com.

Tip # 4: Cater to Your Guests
Don’t stress about food. Eschew cooking and the typical catering experience with a visit to a local gourmet market. We're fans of Fairway Market. Contact Bonnie Langer at manhattancatering@fairwaymarket.com. You can transfer food onto your own fun plates once you get home.

Tip #5: iDJ
Need some entertainment? You don’t have to hire a dj or band. Make a playlist on your iPod, hook it up to some speakers and you are good to party all night long.