Planning great parties is something we do best at Catering By Windows, and we are here to help you do the same! While some entertaining trends come and go, we are seeing some unique and creative ways to party that have staying power.

We asked some of Catering By Windows' party executives for their favorite party planning tips:

"Try to choose passed hors d'oeuvres that are no larger than one bite...guests have a hard time eating something larger."

"Lighting is the least expensive way to dress up a room with little ambience. Invest a few hundred dollars in some flattering pink gel uplighting--you'll be glad you did!"

"Select linens with some texture, like damask or brocade, rather than flat cotton, if you can afford it. The difference in the look of your guest tables and buffets will be remarkable."

"When planning a large cocktail party with very little seating, rent stand up cocktail tables to scatter around the room; it will give guests a place to balance a drink and a plat
e or engage in a semi-private conversation without taking up valuable space."

"Use a variety of interesting materials for hors d'oeuvres trays and platters--silver is not the only game in town. How about baskets, wood, glass, lucite, copper, brass, porcelain, or even hand-painted ceramics. Guests notice details like this."

"Always ask your caterer or floral designer for tray flowers for the passed hors d'oeuvres--it makes a wonderful statement. But don't use flowers with too much fragrance; they interfere with the aromas of the foods on the trays."

"After a seated dinner, plan a wonderful, abundant dessert buffet instead of serving dessert at the table. Guest will have a chance to get up and network and the display will be dramatic and beautiful. InteYrnational coffees and cordials are a nice touch with this type of display, too!"

"At weddings, don't neglect powder rooms in public spaces like museums. Set up some floral displays and baskets of necessities like perfume, cosmetics, safety pins, hairspray, hosiery, tissues and breath mints. The ladies love it!"

"Make sure your tenting professional has enough staff on site at parties to deal with inclement weather. They can reinforce ties if a stiff wind blows through and make sure rain does not leak into the tent. Also, they can put clear sides down if you have a blowing rain or mist."

"After a large party, consider donating some leftovers to a soup kitchen. It's a wonderful gesture in today's world."

"Instead of throwing rice at weddings, consider blowing bubbles, throwing rose petals, birdseed, or releasing balloons into the air!"