1. Make sure you have lots of alcohol. I tend to focus on one drink. For me, the best party cocktail is anything champagne based. Steer clear of dark drinks—red wine being a major offender—to avoid scrubbing away stains post-party.
2. Set the mood with lighting. As you can see from the snapshot above, I like my parties dimly lit. The dimmers in my dining room are essential for the proper party lighting.
3. Crisp linen napkins are a must. I opted for pink recently, at my Easter cocktail party.
4. Chocolate. There's something special about nibbling on chocolate at a cocktail party—it's just so decadent!
5. A coat rack. I hate it when guests have to dig through a pile of coats in someone's bedroom. A coat rack is much more civilized.
6. A talented waitstaff (it doesn't hurt if they are good looking too). Who doesn't want to be offered a drink at the door by a hunky waiter?
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Clemclemdeparis | 5/8/12 at 4:00 am
Easter cocktail party ?! Please please more pictures !!! Dear Mr Sharkey, your parties are always such inspiration... Merck d'avance ( thanks in advance) from Paris. Clem
From: Anca Gagiuc | 5/8/12 at 5:28 am
Excellent set, I would add some sophisticated chill out music to go with the champagne cocktails and the party's ready to roll.
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 5/8/12 at 6:05 am
Greetings from London! Interesting rules, so looking forward to seeing images of your recent parties. I love entertaining guests at home, I enjoy cooking and organizing for the whole thing. If it is was for a big crowd we love Lenotre restaurant catering our events.
It is a beautiful time of year here in London with all the beautiful flowers everywhere. Would love to share with you some photos.
Gorgeous tulips from Queen Mary's Park http://instagr.am/p/KV140rqp2X/
Beautiful sceneries at St James Park http://instagr.am/p/KUaDjXqp5n/
http://instagr.am/p/KPdUq4Kp3P/
http://instagr.am/p/KPiVWNqp4n/
From: Courtney Price Design | 5/8/12 at 10:30 am
Great tips, tks, post more pics from your parties!