The Guest List. Invite the most interesting people you know. Mix up your guest list to include people from all professions and backgrounds. Have name tags handy and encourage guests to mingle and get to know one another. The most successful parties are where new contacts and friends are made.

Music. A great party must have music. For the party she threw with William Yeoward, Rheinstein wanted the ambience only a live musician could provide. "That night we had a pianist in the foyer who could play anything from Cole Porter to jazz," she says. Match your music to your party's theme. Lounge music suits a cocktail party, while a more formal dinner requires classical or light jazz.

Lighting. Rheinstein likes to place a series of lanterns on the front steps to welcome guests inside. Dim the lights inside your home, or only use lamps. Candles always lend a festive atmosphere. Place them around focal points in the room and in bathrooms reserved for guests. Lightly scented candles are nice in rooms where food will not be served, but keep candles on the dining table unscented.

Food. The menu is crucial, but it doesn't have to be complicated. "I serve homemade food--even if my home wasn't the one it was made in--not complicated recipes, like those in fine restaurants," Rheinstein says. "My favorite is to serve short ribs falling off the bone, shrimp Creole, or turkey hash. Serve something you can simmer on the stove without worrying about it getting overcooked."

Seating. Make sure your guests have plenty of comfortable places to sit. Renting chairs is always an option, but they're rarely attractive. If you don't have enough chairs of your own, beg and borrow from friends and neighbors. Low stools and ottomans placed throughout the rooms serve as seating and impromptu tables.

Glassware. "I never rent all matching glasses unless it's a really big party," Rheinstein says. "I always mix it up. I used to collect old Regency glasses that I'd mix and match--that is until William started making these wonderful designs. Now I just mix it up with his patterns." This is the time to bring out the Moroccan glasses you've been collecting, or the unusual sets you've found at flea markets.

Flowers. Flowers are a party's biggest expense. To keep costs down and your own sanity intact, think more simply. Look around at what you already have, and use only flowers you really love. "I love using William's glasses as containers for flowers, as well as the decanters, which I think is the most beautiful way to display lilies," says Rheinstein. Scatter small vases filled with flowers from your own garden throughout the house. You don't have to have a huge, expensive centerpiece. Tiny blooms at each place setting are much more personal.

Rheinstein's most important rule: Relax. You've put a lot of hard work and planning into your party, so now enjoy it! "Once I walk down the stairs, that's it. I don't worry anymore," says Rheinstein.