how to become a party planner

Just in time for the holiday season, party planner extraordinaire Rebecca Gardner has opened a Holiday Shop with Courtland & Co. to offer everything from red-and-white chintz tablecloths to blown-glass ornaments. The Savannah- and New York-based designer, whose company Houses & Parties is known for decorating over-the-top events for everyone from fashion designers to five-star hotels, has become the go-to planner among a certain set for ensuring their parties are as beautiful as they are entertaining.

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Rebecca Gardner suggests setting the table with as many candles as possible to give your guests an abundance of flattering candlelight.

Raul Tovar

Gardner discovered her destiny on her eighth birthday. "My friends came over for my birthday-fashion-show party dressed in fantasy looks and strutted down the driveway on the side of my house," she said. "I tapped a glamorous local newscaster to serve as emcee and closed the show as the bride in my shiny ecru polyester—and I've been planning ever since."

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At this store launch for the fashion line LoveShackFancy, Gardner used a custom tablecloth in a flowery print topped with antique silver and porcelain for a luxe, sophisticated tablesetting.

Marcela Cussolin

So take some advice from this lifelong party professional. Here are Gardner's do's and don'ts for setting a standout holiday table—as well as a standout holiday party.

Do exaggerate with confidence. Use a floral chintz tablecloth, add pink Murano glasses and silk bows, then sprinkle pastel bonbons around the plate. Decide on your message and sing it loudly!
Do serve a sinful starch with a decadent dessert. Do you want to get dressed up to eat a kale salad?
Don't use matte gold flatware. There is antique gold vermeil flatware, and then there is severe matte gold flatware. Unless you've been shopping the Alberto Pinto estate auction, avoid the stuff of Pinterest nightmares.
Don't be afraid to mix patterns, like custom tablecloths in bold prints from Lee Jofa and hand-painted china from Mottahedeh.
Do use your good stuff on Tuesdays. Pretty china and starched napkins make meals an occasion. Celebrate every day!
Do buy the best wine you can afford. You want your guests to get a buzz, not a headache.
Do invite a mixed crowd. It's so much more fun to have different kinds of people at a party. The greatest gift you can give your guests is a new friend, one they might not meet in their comfy circles. Keep everyone on their toes.
Don't skimp on the candles. We gild the lily with loads of flattering candlelight.

And here's one bonus tip from the expert: "The environment always dictates the menu—we plan what to serve from the treasure that's on the table," Gardner says.

Shop a Selection of Rebecca Gardner's Holiday Party Essentials

Marbled Party Crackers

courtlandandco.com

$87.00

These dip-dyed and tied party crackers will add a festive touch to any party. Each one includes a paper crown, a piece of costume jewelry, chocolates, and a note encouraging every guest to chime in on a song.

"Treat Yo Self" Ornament

courtlandandco.com

$36.00

Rebecca Gardner's Holiday Shop includes an assortment of blown-glass ornaments, from hippos in tutus to this Buddha with a hand-calligraphed "Treat Yo Self" tag.

Raspberry Cake Candle

courtlandandco.com

$118.00

Choose from a selection of cake, pie, and tart candles that are sure to add a sweet touch to your table—or give them out as gifts to your guests.

Lee Jofa Chintz Tablecloth

courtlandandco.com

$385.00

This Lee Jofa red-and-white chintz pattern is also available in seat cushions, table-lamp shades, and throw pillows.

Porcelain Dinner Plates

courtlandandco.com

$115.00

J. Seignolles hand-painted porcelain dinner plates are perfect for mixing with a bold printed tablecloth.

Victorian Coin Dot Glass Bowls

courtlandandco.com

$520.00

These finger bowls do double duty as serving bowls for rice or soups—or ice cream sundaes.

Murano Green Goblet

Nason Moretti courtlandandco.com

$90.00

These Nason Moretti Murano handblown goblets will bring a festive pop of color to your table.

Bohemian Glass Pitcher

courtlandandco.com

$136.00

This antique Bohemian Glass Pitcher is pretty with a small arrangement of flowers or for creamer.

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