Tips for preparing the perfect holiday event.

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start planning for those special events that help to make the season so special. What are some things you can do to make your event or party particularly memorable?

Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events, based in Los Angeles with operations in Chicago, St. Louis and Las Vegas prepares and serves festive feasts to the world's elite and have offered to share some seasonal tips. Whether you tastes lean toward traditional holiday fare or to more unconventional and inventive occasions, the list below includes many helpful hints:

* Set the stage for a divine encounter by printing a menu on beautiful paper--set the table with your best china, crystal and linens--or rent elegant tableware from a party rental company. Taking a few extra minutes to plan, and adding a few decorative elements to the table or dining area greets guests with a wonderful first impression.

* Enhance the atmosphere with lighting. Replace regular light bulbs with colored bulbs for a festive feel or add twinkle lights to potted plants and trees. Candles allow light to dance across a room "you can never have too many". light candles EVERYWHERE--from your bathrooms to the patio. Try placing white candles inside cored apples, place in a candelabra and allow the white wax to drip onto the apples-very gothic, very Hollywood. Small details can add big holiday ambience to your space.

* Simple decor goes long way--great flowers for the table are very important (low enough or tall enough to allow you and your guests to see and talk to each other). Add scent for air extra holiday flavor--evergreens in your arrangement or cinnamon sticks boiling on the stovetop. To save money on flowers, remember that fruits and desserts, or ornaments are festive and less expensive. For example, fill a tall vase with lemons, a vase with glass ball ornaments, or a pretty silver bowl with apples, or use a holiday platter stacked high with decorated cookies and chocolate coins to add color and excitement to a room.

* For a delightful and easy cocktail party-have each guest bring a favorite hors d'oeuvre and recipe bowls of spiced pecans and candied walnuts are always a hit.

* For a festive champagne reception--have each guest bring a favorite dessert and exchange recipes--tray pass truffles, gingerbread macaroons or espresso ice cream in demitasse cups to top off the evening.

* Expand a group of friends or business associates by inviting 10 friends and having each bring a guest with mutual interests to a black tie dinner at your home. Make a menu of luxurious foods--caviar on blinis or toast, potato latkes with apple cinnamon puree, smoked salmon pizza, followed by a wonderful rack of lamb or a delicate striped bass, and complete the evening with a decadent winter dessert duet of chocolate huckleberry souffle cake and sour cherry beggar's purse with champagne ice cream--pair different wines with each course--ask your favorite wine shop for ideas--order to go from WPC&E or create your own menu from www.wolfgangpuck.com.

* Invite Friends and Family over for a "moving experience"--in between courses, add movement. In between appetizer and main courses, take a walk around the block counting snowmen; whoever finds the most receives a holiday gag gift. In between the main course and dessert, dance to Frank Sinatra tunes. Following dessert, gather to sing holiday carols. Remember to change seating partners when your guests sit back down!

* Plan a menu that allows you to prepare everything before your guests arrive (so you can enjoy your friends without having the pressure of cooking while entertaining).

* Help your guests get to know each other by playing stupid party games or holiday games-i.e. kissing under the mistletoe.

* Hire a bartender to mix colorful festive drinks ($100.00 for the night) or to keep drink prices down, feature specialty themed drinks, which cannot be passed up.

* Hire a waiter to help you serve and clean up ($150.00 for the night) and it allows you to feel like a guest at your own party, or schedule a cleaning person to come the next morning.

* For keepsakes or party favors, buy a cheap Polaroid camera. Instead of place cards use small picture frames instant pictures you took of guests upon arrival

* Buy a party mix music or a holiday CD/ DVD with classics holiday tunes--or have guests bring their favorite holiday music as a host/hostess gift.

* The holidays are for giving--ask everyone to bring a new blanket, old coats, or other type of donation for a local family charity.

* Include party favors--masks, noisemakers, streamers for NY eve--ornaments or stockings full of gourmet goodies for Christmas--candles for Hanukkah. Send your guests home with a goodie bag--homemade holiday cookies / candies or Muffin & Croissant, Mini Orange Juice and Piper Heidsieck "mini" champagne with the morning paper or scented votives, and always a big winner homemade sauces or oils in elegant jars.

* Relax and have fun! The host sets the mood for the party. Most importantly, take Wolfgang's advice and "live, love, eat."

Cathy Neumann is Director of Sales and Marketing for Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events, based in Los Angeles with operations in Chicago, St. Louis and Los Vegas. For more information, call 323/491-1250.