Photo by James Pattyn

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Holiday Survival Guide: Party Tricks

Get your place set for celebration with these stylish and clever tips from entertaining expert Ed Lent.

1. Guests seem to mingle by the mantel. So, set a luxurious scene with clusters of shapely glass ornaments and silver home accessories in varying heights and sizes. Finish with a vase filled with fresh cranberries and a pillar candle (pictured above).

2. Set up a self-serve bar in festive red, white and silver. For a glam focal point, coat wreaths with white or silver spray paint. Serve classic martinis, raspberry belinis and vodka cranberry cocktails.

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3. Dress up a non-working fireplace. Fill with inexpensive with holiday ornaments and then place special baubles on top.

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4. Set a fresh scene. Fill assorted vases with greenery and decorate space-saving topiary trees with ornaments.

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5. Looking for a new way to serve? Let a mirror do double-duty as a serving tray. For a festive touch, tie cinnamon sticks together with raffia and display on trays and tables. Heat things up by serving mulled cider, specialty coffees and liqueurs.

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6. Want an impressive wine bar but short on space? Set up shop by converting a dresser into shelves for stemware, barware and garnishes.

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7. Take a fresh look at furniture. Push four dining room chairs together to form benches, allowing guests to sit on either side or cozy up for intimate conversations.

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8. Use an antique dresser or sideboard for a dessert bar. Get creative with wrapping paper. It’s cheap, easy and makes clean-up a cinch. Dress up ready-made desserts with fresh raspberries and serve on fine china–like the Vera Wang Wedgwood Grosgrain and Vera Lace dinnerware collections.

HG-Holiday7aFind more ideas and tips in our Holiday Survival Guide:

In-law Etiquette
Turkey Dinner 101
Hilarious (and Helpful!) How to Roast a Turkey Video
Staying Home For The Holidays
How to Host a Kick-Ass Christmas Party
Party Tricks: 8 Décor Ideas
Waistline-friendly Appetizers
Delicious Cocktail Recipes
Sweet and Salty Chocolate Bark Recipe
Our Gift To You: A Free Upgrade To 2life Premium
Tell Them What You Really, Really Want KitchenAid Contest

Image(s): James Pattyn; styling by Ed Lent