How to Host The Pre-Party

The Pre-Party

Welcome to How to Host, a new monthly feature where we will address various aspects of hosting stylish, memorable and, hopefully, low-stress gatherings. To kick things off we’re tackling the pre-party, the pre-event gathering that kicks things off before a bigger event such as a Saints game, charity gala or an evening at a concert or the theatre. If the last pre-party you attended involved chaperones, your parents, the prom or jungle juice, it’s time to up your approach a bit.

By Jyl Benson

Hefty Handmade Glassware

For Ben Dombey, the goal to create the perfect rocks glass began after a trip to Scotland in 2011. Every piece of glassware, barware, bar glass or cocktail glass he makes is inflated by lung power and is 100 percent handmade in his Bywater studio. As with anything handmade, pieces will vary slightly, adding to their charm. The bottom of each piece is deeply embossed with an image, which can be customized to suit a krewe, a company, a family or an occasion. Glassblower Ben, by appointment, 1239 St. Ferdinand St., 504-603-7080, GlassBlowerBen.com

Festive Cocktails

Wine is fine but colorful libations kick things off with extra zip. El Guapo Bitters, a New Orleans-based, Louisiana flavorcentric line of craft cocktail bitters and syrups, has gone national. You can find the made-in-New Orleans products at Whole Foods, Costco and Neiman Marcus. Locally, El Guapo’s sexy and sensational products are available in many places around town. El Guapo CEO Christa Cotton created custom cocktails – the Strawberry Champagne Spritz and the Louisiana Fall Fashioned – for us. If you’re really feeling fancy, she can create specialty libations just for you. El Guapo Bitters, 504-444-2914, ElGuapoBitters.com

Gorgeous, Stress-Free, Utterly Delicious Bites

This is the time to dial it in. The call to make is to Food & Board NOLA. A skilled cook and entertainer with a flair for food styling, Maureen Wolfe creates custom boards and platters heaped with local produce, honey, charcuterie, cheeses, nuts and edible flowers that are perfect for stress-free home entertaining. The lavish spreads are delivered on sustainable, reusable/recyclable platters. When you and your krewe are headed out the door for the main event, just call in the kids to polish off the leftovers or pop it all in the refrigerator to nibble your way through a post-event snack attack. Food & Board NOLA, 504-234-5870, marliestable@gmail. com, Facebook.com/foodandboardnola

PREMIER PROPERTIES

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL LOCAL REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE EXPERTS EXPERTS READY TO HELP READY TO HELP WITH YOUR WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE NEEDS NEEDS

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

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PROPERTIES

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DESIGN

Kathy Slater Interiors/Design Collection

KathySlater.com 504-400-9032 3908 Magazine St., New Orleans The Design Collection has for many years consistently produced the highest quality and unique furniture designs for clients. In response to client demand, Kathy Slater has now expanded the line by adding custom stair railings and this Orleans Upholstered Canopy Bed.

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

WrensTontine.com | 504-525-7409 1533 Prytania St., New Orleans Since 1937, Wren's Tontine Shade & Design has been professionally decorating windows and enhancing homes. This experience has given them a vast knowledge of all that's available in the window covering industry. Wren's Tontine specializes in custom drapery, window shades, blinds, interior shutters, bedding and upholstery. They provide personal service and attention to detail.

Landscape Images

LandscapeImagesLTD.com | 504-734-8380 655 Central Ave., New Orleans Landscape Images is known for turning ordinary areas into extraordinary spaces! They're a full-service landscaping company for residential and commercial properties that practices a Design, Build and Maintain philosophy. They pride themselves on creating unique gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Shotgun Design Group, LLC

ShotgunDG.com 504-233-4442 6516 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans Established in 2014, Shotgun Design Group has been designing residential and commercial spaces for New Orleanians and the Gulf South Region. From new construction to renovation, their goal is to create spaces that are uniquely yours. Call for an appointment or visit them in their new design studio today.