Some additional party thoughts.

Questions And Answers

• Q. At a late afternoon gathering when is it best to turn on the artificial lighting?
  A. Many people love the Sunset so stretch out the natural lighting as long as you can. Close your eyes for about three seconds, then survey the party area. The time it takes for you to refocus on everything is the level of discomfort building from too little light. No refocus time equals no discomfort.
• Q. What do you do if a few people at the party are cold from the air conditioning, but everyone else is comfortable?
  A. Sorry but at any gathering Majority Rules! A quick solution can be keeping a couple of light sweaters on hand for those who are sensitive to air conditioning.
• Q. I love using glitter at parties as part of the decoration but it takes weeks to clean it up.
  A. The only remedy I have heard of is using a light coat of hair spray to keep the glitter in place. Good luck with that trick.
• Q. How do I avoid interrupting people while they're having a good time just to clean up a spill?
  A. Keep a clean, wet sponge off to the side somewhere so it goes unnoticed. Keep one end of the sponge slightly soapy for the quick clean strike and one end of the sponge clear of soap so that it can be used for rinsing the stain immediately. At least you will only have to make one disruptive trip instead of two. Also remember that you will never fail when using discretion. In other words, do not announce that you have to get through to clean up a stain. Laugh it off, it's just par for the course.
• Q. Sometimes I put together these great combinations of pictures, music, candles and linens but it just doesn't come off.
  A. Many people do not realize that when it comes to decorating, you complete the picture with something that is out of place. You have to add dimension to your setting to spark everything off. That is where sparkling vases filled with large bouquets of bright colored flowers come in handy. Contrasting colors tend to draw the eye throughout the rest of the room in order to complete the impression. There are many unscented flowers that can be safely set around the dining area to add to the attraction.