Live Like A Star

Whether you have eight guests or eighty guests, Cowie recommends taking the time to assign seating. "[Place cards] prevent confusion or awkwardness, and allow you to balance the energy and dynamics of the table," Cowie writes. For this lively setting, Cowie used small artichokes to hold handwritten place cards. Note for polite guests: no seat-switching! "Remember, for a guest to rearrange his or her host's place cards is an offense punishable by death!"

Portions adapted from Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be ($20; amazon.com). To be published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, and available in stores and online December 31, 2007.