How We Party Now

It’s time to celebrate. So let party planners, Michelin-star chefs, award-winning bartenders and socialites help you make the most of your next soiree.

- Caroline Hatchett

People make a party, and we don't just mean who's on the guest list. "The way I look at every moment of a party, it's a time for a person to let loose and relax," says John Terzian, Los Angeles nightlife impresario and co-founder of H Wood Group.

Of course, there's an art to gathering people in a room and easing them into a less-inhibited state. The essentials? An attentive host, great music, smart conversation and alcohol. Mood lighting doesn't hurt, either. But, according to Terzian, there are lots of little touches that distinguish a novice host from an expert.

To help you look and feel like the latter, Robb Report spoke with hospitality professionals and entertainers to get intel on everything from choosing a dress code to nudging the last guest out at the end of the night. And because many more readers will be attending, rather than hosting, we slipped in secrets to being the best guest (spoiler: phones down and no surprise plus-ones).

1. Don't arrive Empty-handed

Yes, you should buy your host a gift. Think beautifully packed baked goods, linen cocktail napkins or champagne. Star of the Bravo series Southern Charm and socialite Patricia Altschul likes to gift books, potted orchids that hosts can "plop down anywhere" and gin for fellow martini drinkers.

Whatever you do, just don't show up with fresh flowers. "It actually gives the host more work to cut the stems, find a vase, fill it with water and put it out on display," says Myka Meier (above), founder of Beaumont Etiquette and Instagram etiquette star.

2. Let a Chef Do All the Cooking