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" Preston Bailey, event designer, plans your next bash in four easy steps   1. Decorate Smart  Use decorating elements that you can eat, keep or give away, like a plant, flower or fruit arrangement as a table centerpiece.   2. Factor Costs Set a budget and decide what&amp;#039;s most important to you. Do you really, really want live music or top-notch food? Then make that your main focus. Consider offering only punch or wine to save on pricier drinks.   3. Skip Fancy Meals Instead of having a sit-down dinner, do a buffet\u2014when people can move around, the mood&amp;#039;s more lively. Plus, you&amp;#039;ll use fewer tables, so there&amp;#039;s less cleanup afterward.   4. Be Creative  For Halloween or Thanksgiving, use fall leaves to create a centerpiece. Try festive wrapping paper to make a table runner or placemats, and ribbons to tie napkins for a Christmas party.   Preston Bailey Celebrations: Lush Flowers, Dramatic Table Settings, Inspired Spaces, and Other Ideas for Entertaining hits bookshelves on September 22. (Rizzoli, $60) "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/a4148/throw-a-party-like-a-pro-86379/>