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Glam-Style Barbecue
The beauty of barbecuing is that it's casual and relaxing for guests and hosts. But throwing together a stress-free backyard cookout doesn’t have to mean the same old grilled foods, gingham, and ho-hum paper plates. Turn up the heat on this season's alfresco affairs with the following tips on how to serve up a delicious interactive menu in simply sizzling style. —Erika Lenkert
Go Ahead—Waste Your Time
Daydreaming might feel like the ultimate waste of time, but it's just the opposite. Recent research from Dartmouth College suggests that during daydreaming, brain may actually be processing important issues that aren't relevant at that immediate moment—anything from strategizing about tonight's dinner to wondering about your kid's mysterious bug bite.
Great Places to Kiss
From classic venues commemorated in photos and film to some of the world's most romantic spots and easily accessed everyday places, we've listed some of the steamiest places to lock lips.
Halloween Dinner Parties
If conceptualizing a cute, clever outfit and being out among costumed crowds sounds like about as much fun as trick-or-treating for spinach, it's time to inject fresh flavor to Fright Night with a wickedly cool dinner party. Go with any of the following themes, gather your most ghoulish friends, and see how easy it is to conjure up a good time. —Erika Lenkert
How to Be a VIP Guest
We're going to let you in on a little secret. You don't have to be a fabulous dresser, expert conversationalist, or skilled social butterfly to get on everyone's guest list. All you need are a few master guest maneuvers. Implement the following gracious initiatives into your partygoing repertoire and you will not only be on the guest list—you'll own it. —Erika Lenkert
How to Plan an American Idol Party
We know American Idol is addictive. We also know it's better watched in a group setting, where you can cheer on and pan contestants and debate who will rock the house during the season's finale. But rather than spend an idle evening of Idol fun, why not really get into the game with a full-blown viewing party? Gather around the TV, serve a themed menu, and set the stakes just as high for viewers as they are for the finalists by creating a betting pool for this year's winner. The only thing that could make this party more memorable would be a personal appearance by Ryan Seacrest.
Jamie Drake
Jamie Drake cemented his reputation as the quintessential New York decorator when New York mayor Mike Bloomberg selected him to design the interiors for the official mayoral residence, the newly renovated Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s East Side. But we hardly needed confirmation. Drake’s interiors speak for themselves, capturing both the sophistication and fashionable flair of the city. Known primarily as a colorist who expertly balances vibrant hues and soothing neutrals, Drake is equally adept at complementing New York’s varied architectural heritage, gracefully infusing his modern aesthetic with classical and art deco touches. At last year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House, the city’s annual design showcase, his breathtaking boudoir combined gilt antiques with curving midcentury shapes. His cultural awareness informs everything from his furniture for Roubini to his new fabric collection for Schumacher—and not least his commitment to charitable causes from homelessness to HIV/AIDS prevention. Take a few minutes to meet this New York original. —Paul O'Donnell
Jay Jeffers
This is the year of Jay Jeffers. The head of the San Francisco– and Los Angeles–based Jeffers Design Group, who is known for his trademark "Sophisticated Fun" style, has already strutted his stuff at this year's San Francisco Decorator Showhouse (again) and snagged the California Home & Design Award—and 2007 is only half over.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Madonna. Cher. Prince. Jean-Georges. Some stars are so recognizable by their first names there’s no need to bother with their last, and this French-born chef is one of them. The owner of more than a dozen restaurants around the world, including the three-star Michelin-rated Jean-Georges in New York, Rama in London, and Lagoon in Bora-Bora, Jean-Georges has been wowing diners with his flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine for more than two decades. In between developing recipes and restaurant sites, the New York–based visionary has penned four cookbooks, including the recently released Asian Flavors of Jean-Georges. As he prepares to open three new Spice Market restaurants—in Atlanta, Istanbul, and Doha—the culinary legend shares some easy entertaining tips and gives us a peek into his own kitchen. —Amy Gurvitz
Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler’s growing empire starts in Los Angeles, where her design firm and its posh but approachable style has helped define the modern aesthetic of the city, from its resorts and hotels to its most fashionable shops. Lately she’s expanded, with a boutique in Manhattan’s Bergdorf Goodman store and her appearances on the Bravo reality show Top Design. Wearstler’s honest, approachable charm is still intact, though, as she shows in this chat about her favorites things. —Paul O’Donnell
Maria Shriver
The First Lady of California discusses her work with the Women's Conference and what she believes her legacy will be.
Mediterranean Cocktail Party
No one can resist the temptation of the Mediterranean's crystal-blue water, idyllic beaches, and sensual flavors (think olives, citrus, and luxurious spreads). But not all of us can jump on a plane whenever we feel the urge to escape to the famed Riviera or Greek Isles. Fortunately, there's an easy way to bring the best of the European coastal lifestyle home anytime: Throw a Mediterranean-style dinner party! You and your guests will savor its deliciously sunny spirit—without having to slather on the sunscreen or dust off the passport.—Karen Palmer
Michael Chiarello
Michael Chiarello has been influencing contemporary cooking since he exploded onto the food scene 20 years ago as the founding chef of Napa Valley's famed Tra Vigne restaurant. Since then his passion for fresh, seasonal Southern Italian cooking and house-made charcuterie, breads, and condiments has led him into a number of other groundbreaking and decidedly tasty endeavors, including founding Consorzio Flavored Oils (at least a decade before such products became mainstream), becoming an Emmy-winning Food Network personality and a cookbook author, and launching NapaStyle, a California boutique chain featuring home goods and specialty foods inspired by his Southern Italian roots and Napa surroundings. Along the way he somehow managed to have a family, establish award-winning Chiarello Family Vineyards, and find time to regularly throw outstanding parties for family and friends—not to mention share his entertaining secrets with us. Read on for a taste of the good life, wine-country style. —Erika Lenkert
Michael Mina
Michael Mina has been wowing diners since he burst onto the San Francisco food scene in 1993 as the executive chef of Aqua restaurant. Since then, the James Beard Award winner has been bestowed so many best-chef titles that we've lost count.
Mindy Weiss
Mindy Weiss has helped plan events for a multitude of stars, from Gwen and Gavin to Heidi and Seal. She shares some great tips for your own fete.
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