Don’t be tardy for the party…or stay too late

Hostess with the mostest: Phoebe Howard in her Buckhead condominium. Photo: Erica George Dines

I’m doing a final check of the copy for our November issue before it goes into layout later this week. Here’s a sneak peek at one of designer Phoebe Howard’s top 10 tips for holiday entertaining. This one, however, is good enough for year-round use!

Be mindful of your guests’ schedules the following day and choose the appropriate start and end time. Make sure the evening progresses at a comfortable pace. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped at a late night party because the hostess is either unorganized or unaware. Keep an eye on the time. Make a schedule: One hour for cocktails, one hour for dinner, 30 minutes for dessert, and try to adhere to it. (Of course some parties take on a life of their own and when that happens, go with it!)