"Do you panic when you have to plan a formal dinner party? Is the thought of arranging a birthday bash enough to bring you out in a rash? If you wish you could plan and prepare the perfect event then this is where to start. From casual cocktails when you want to relax with friends to formal dining that is part and parcel of your job, you'll quickly see that there is an easy way to plan the affair. Whether I have been planning a wedding or arranging an office party I have always approached any form of entertaining with one thing in mind - people should be relaxed. I have learned how to try and achieve this in both work and social situations and with Perfect parties here's how you can achieve it too." Lizzie O'Prey. Here are 52 brilliant ideas on how to plan the perfect party and fulfill all the requirements demanded of the most congenial host. Lizzie O'Prey will show you how to: Entertain on a budget; Choose the ideal location for hosting your event; Pull together a party on a weekend away from home; Keep calm and cope with a party pooper (that's the one that has imbibed one too many); Create the perfect atmosphere to impress the most demanding guest; Plan and execute speeches on formal occasions; Play cupid at Christmas (and be subtle about it too). With the 52 Brilliant Ideas series readers can enhance their existing skills with negligible investment of time or money and will substantially improve their performance over the course of a year. Each of the 52 chapters tackles a single aspect of the subject in an entertaining and lively way. At the end of each chapter is a "how did it go?" feature which allows readers to reflect on the lesson in a classical experiential learning pattern. The tone of each book is personal and informal; readers will feel as thought they are having a one-to-one with their favourite coach.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 All fired up There's the promise of a sun-filled day and you get the feeling that you want to entertain - summer's here and it's the season to barbecue. 2 In full bloom Here are some professional secrets for choosing and arranging a perfect display of fantastic flowers. 3 Life is a picnic Easy essentials for entertaining at the beach or in the country. Forget about squashed pies and sand-filled sandwiches (although that gritty texture brings a certain something to the meal). 4 Can you hear me at the back? Speak up and keep it clean: how to plan a speech and please your audience. 5 Excuses, excuses Saying 'no' can be a sensitive issue. Here's a guide to the politics of telling someone you can't make it. 6 Young at heart. Throwing perfect parties for children can be really complicated, so here are some suggestions to make them run smoothly. 7 Lifelong love affair Anniversaries should be a cause for great celebration. 8 The cocktail-hour kit When you want to serve up stylish drinks, the right cocktail makes the ultimate place to start. But you do need some kit. 9 Stocking up Invest in a few different spirits in order to get your cocktail bar up and running. So how many different kinds of spirits do you need? 10 Prepare to party Designing a kitchen when you will be entertaining on a regular basis takes careful planning. 11 It's in the post There are occasions when you will want to send out a formal invitation; here's how to go about it with style. 12 I'm much obliged There are many occasions when it's right to say thanks. 13 Smoke signals Cigarettes, cigars and even pipes are part and parcel of the party scene. How do you deal with this? 14 Be my guest. Make it a memorable break for people who come to stay... 15 The time to dine Here's a foolproof guide to planning a dinner party at home. 16 Ouch, ouch, ouch. When your eyes open the morning after the party and the light is just too bright, you may need some help. 17 Play that funky music Or choose something else, any style you want... 18 Green issues What to consider when you are catering for vegetarians and vegans. 19 It's a messy business But someone's got to do it. Clear up. 20 Dressed to kill Whether it's fancy dress or a formal affair, what should you wear? 21 An illuminating idea Guests will relax when the lighting is just right. 22 Making a mark Accidents can happen, and if wine or food gets spilled then the best solution is to clear things up quickly. 23 Do a little dance Bring on the disco music when you want to strut your stuff all night. 24 Help is at hand Hiring caterers and bar staff can take the pressure off you. 25 The iceman cometh Ice sculptures can be themed to provide a stunning focal point for any event. 26 Bathing beauties If guests are coming to stay why not give the bathroom a real facelift? 27 Make mine a double Pull no punches when planning the drinks for your party. 28 Location, location, location What are you looking for when you need to hire a venue? 29 Under canvas A marquee makes a versatile space in which to hold a party. 30 The class of glass Reach for the perfect receptacle - present every drink in style. 31 Bubbling over Life would be flat without the fizz of champagne; fun and fancy celebrations call for a lively and sophisticated drink. 32 And the kids came too At family parties or when you gather with friends, children are part and parcel of the group. 33 Out and about Organise an entertaining outing - it makes a welcome change to take people somewhere new. 34 The price is right Work to a budget - it is easier if you plan things properly. Can you put a price on fun? It would be lovely to be able to say 'no'... 35 All by myself Have the confidence to arrive at an event without a date. 36 'Here's looking at you, kid Learn the art of making a toast, whether it's a planned or spontaneous gesture. 37 Party games for kids Organised fun keeps kids content - here's how to have harmony with a bit of planning. 38 At the last minute Entertaining for the time-challenged person. 39 Room to party It's time to move your furniture and set up your home for entertaining. 40 Adult games Parties provide the perfect excuse for a little organised fun and grown-ups rarely get the chance to behave like children... 41 It's all in the decoration Set the scene for your party by dressing up your space. 42 Tools of the trade Just what kit do you need to invest in for regular entertaining? 43 Hens and stags It's time for the engaged couple to party ... apart. 44 The good guest guide Or how to be sure that your friends will stay in touch after you've been their guest! 45 Guess who's coming to dinner? You need to plan a menu and put together a formal dinner party for the boss... 46 The perfect host You're in charge, and you have everyone under your control. That kind of thinking can get you into all sorts of trouble. 47 The wine club . Holding a tasting party is the perfect way to combine fun with learning. 48 Side by side Put the perfect seating plan in place. 49 A touch of romance Make plans to indulge the one you love. 50 Scary stuff Halloween is the one night of the year when you are fully entitled to behave badly. 51 Family fun It's time to entertain your nearest and dearest, so make it a pleasure, not a chore. 52 The last goodbye Some things to consider when you need to plan a funeral. The End