Shows A - Z : Weekend Entertaining : Black Tie Cocktail Party : DIY Network

Host Jeanne Benedict shows you how to host a Black Tie Cocktail Party in your home.

AIR TIMES

August 14, 2007

3:00 PM Eastern

In this episode host Jeanne Benedict helps Brad and Ginny host an upscale party in their home. Jeanne wanted to create the feel of a club in their home so they created a large three-tiered fountain and filled it will balloons to create a stunning focal point. Cueing off the "Rat Pack" era, Brad and Ginny create classic cocktail chalkboards that hold the recipes of some of the fun cocktails of the era.

Twinkle lights, balloons and organza decorated columns, a chandelier and a stage area for a jazz band are created. Since this is such a grand affair, Jeanne and Ginny meet with caterers who will be taking care of the food for the party. The jazz band arrives and set up -- and the party is on. Guests are dressed to the nines and they enjoy the decorations, the food and the band.

Projects: Invitations/Cocktail Chalkboards/Swizzle Sticks and Hiring a Caterer/Balloon Fountain Centerpiece/Chandelier Decorations and Centerpieces

This party is rated 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 14 hours
Invitations -- 1 hour
Cocktail Chalkboards (including drying time) -- 4 hours
Swizzle Sticks -- 1 hour
Balloon Fountain Centerpiece and Festive Columns -- 7 hours
Chandelier Decorations and Centerpieces -- 1 hour