I Like You Better Under The Influence

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My friend Will bought me this book for my birthday. If you know anything about Amy Sedaris, you know why this book is awesome.

I love throwing cocktail-type parties, here are a few things I've learned over the years:

1. Invitations sent through the mail create the tone for your party. Anything in sealed envelopes is more formal, but I love postcards, I make my own. Have fun with it.

2. No overhead lighting if you can help it. At Christmas, candles and stringed lights create great ambience. Otherwise, candles and lamps. Soft pink lightbulbs make people look great.

3. You rarely go wrong with 60's cocktail music. Just different enough to get people's attention, but also familiar enough to be relaxing to most people. Ditto Al, Ella and Billie.

4. Plenty of glasses and stabby thingies. I plan on at least three glasses per person, and 8-10 stabbies.

5. Groupings of seating in corners make people feel cozy. Those who want to be the center of attention will find it. Those who don't appreciate a quiet, but not lonely, spot.

As a guest, try not to be the worst dressed person in the room. Don't come early. Eat and drink everything, I hate leftovers. That is all.

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