How to Entertain like Lela Rose

Fashion designer Lela Rose may be best known for her pretty dresses and romantic bridal gowns, but as her new book, Pret-a-Party, proves, she’s also a pro at entertaining. Here, ten great tips from the seriously inspiring tome.

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Think outside the home. “Open your mind to unexpected spaces,” writes Rose, who notes she’s thrown parties in all kinds of public places, including the New York City subway.

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Use produce as decor. “I’m always looking for ways to set a table with something other than flowers,” Rose writes. “Fall vegetables, with their rich colors and interesting textures and shapes, make great decorations for a hearty autumn meal.”

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When planning a dressy dinner, keep the guest list small. And to keep it small, “Use the word ‘dinner’ rather than ‘party,’ and give people a specific hour (rather than a range of times) to discourage drop-ins.”

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Get matchy matchy. “If your party has a theme, use that to guide everything that you serve.”

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Always remember the 3 C’s. “A great Sunday supper is all about comfort, color, and creativity.”

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Don’t be afraid to DIY. “Kids’ birthday parties can be overwhelming and full of store-bought excess,” writes Rose, who suggests having a fun project for children that can also double as take-home party favors.

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Put a twist on tea time. Rose recalls serving “tea-quila,” “turn’t” turnips, and “trashed” radishes at a recent soiree. “No ladylike custom was left un-smashed,” she writes.

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Buy local. “[It] not only supports the community, it’s also a great way to show guests the character of your area.”

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Bring back the sewing circle. A modern sewing circle was a hit at a bridal shower Rose threw for a co-worker.

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When in doubt, choose tequila. “In my experience, there’s nothing like tequila to get guests enthusiastically on board with whatever crazy concept I’m trying to pull off.”

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