Party Planning Ideas & Recipes

Plan a terrific party for friends and family with our party-planning tips and delicious recipes.

See other topics in Holidays & Occasions

Get the Party Started!

Who doesn’t love a great party? From a small dinner party or potluck to an outdoor celebration or special occasion, we’ve got the planning tips, ideas, and recipes to make your soiree a smashing success.

Party Prep

  1. Make your next party a memorable event
  2. 15 great ideas for summer fiestas
  3. Plan the perfect potluck
  4. 10 commandments of great party giving
  5. Great birthday party ideas

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Irish Mint Brownies
New Irish Mint Brownies

Mint mousse and rich chocolate make a winning dessert.

Apple Praline Pie
New Apple Praline Pie

Everyone's sure to want seconds of this prizewinning pie!

4 Champagne Cocktails and 4 Appetizer Recipes for Your Party
New 4 Champagne Cocktails and 4 Appetizer Recipes for Your Party

The hostess of thebubblygirl.com and author of The Bubbly Bar shares her favorite cocktails and party appetizers just in time for your party.

The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Table Setting
The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Table Setting

What kind of table cloth should you use for a holiday meal? Does the wine glass go on the left or right? And how about the dessert spoon? Read on to find out.

ResourcesFrom our Advertisers

  • The Latest in Party Planning
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  • 124 Party-Ready Pantry Items
    Can, carton, bottle, jar: stock these star-chef staples.
  • 2Holiday Champagne Punch
    This hits the perfect balance between sweet, tart and potent with its combination of cognac, apricot brandy and raspberry eau de vie – known as framboise.
  • 3Lava Lamp Cocktail
    This sweet tart pomegranate cocktail looks as good as it tastes.
  • 4Mini Lamb Burgers With Feta and Mint
    The richness of these flavorful burgers is balanced by fresh mint and feta cheese, making them the perfect bite for a summer cookout or a mid-winter snack.
  • 5Posh Popcorn
    Hot buttered popcorn becomes sublime when paired with a fizzy glass of sparkling wine.
  • 6Cheddar Cheese Coins
    You’ll find these buttery cheddar biscuits irresistible with sparkling wine or any wine for that matter.
  • 7Spiced Hibiscus Granita
    Inspired by a punch from Trinidad this frozen granita is just the thing for a light end to a meal.
  • 8The Stiletto Cocktail
    This potent cognac and orange libation makes a sharp statement, just like a pair of Manolo Blahniks.
  • 9Buck's Fizz
    Created at Buck's Club in London in 1921, this sweet and tangy drink is one of the most frequently sipped champagne cocktails in the world.

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