Throw The Perfect Vintage Soirée (Slideshow)

The best way to throw a fabulous party is to be prepared. That means shopping a day ahead of time, laying out all of your place settings, and, of course, picking out the perfect party outfit. If it's a holiday party, ask guests to dress in line with their favorite holiday movie — and take turns guessing which one they chose!

Instead of the typical vegetable platter, try serving vegetables with a twist. Pour dip into colorful shot glasses and add a few different pieces of long-cut vegetables like carrots, peppers, and celery. Veggies are a great low-calorie option for guests, but no one ever said they had to be boring!

Don't throw away your mother's punch bowl just yet! Rather than slaving away behind the bar, try creating a bountiful batch of party punch or serving pitchers of wine spritzers for everyone to enjoy. Better yet, set up a "buffet bar" and serve three different libations with corresponding garnishes so guests can help themselves!

For a holiday party, try a seasonal trivia game to see which friends are most knowledgeable about traditions and holiday history. Festive gifts can be awarded to winners, and the games can be played in a "White Elephant" fashion. Each time a guest gets the answer right, they can pick or steal a sought-after gift from another player — this adds a little competition.

In all the pre-party fuss, it's easy to forget that people get thirsty for something other than alcohol and soda, so don't forget to have a big pitcher of ice water on hand. Add some gusto by slicing up strawberries, lemons, and blueberries and freezing them into ice cube trays the night before. The colorful fruit cubes will add interest, not to mention flavor.

While it isn't a very "vintage" method, the tradition is old school. Be sure to send a group email or Facebook message after the party to thank everyone for coming. It's a great way to connect people who met at the party but didn't exchange information. You may be the catalyst for a new romance, or at least two friends swapping holiday wish lists.