Entertain Like the Stars

Entertaining guru Colin Cowie has long been the mastermind behind celebrity fetes such as Oprah's Legends Ball and Elton John's Oscar party. His latest book, Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be, reveals how to throw celebrity-worthy get-togethers in your own home (and on your own budget)! Writes Cowie, "The secret to elegant entertaining is surprisingly simple: Create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you and your guests feel welcome."

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.

"Successful entertaining starts by being prepared," writes Cowie. The perfectionist party planner sets his table and lays out the wines and serving dishes for each course the night before the event. "The following day, all I need to do is mix the cocktails, dim the lights, turn up my iPod and play host." In the case of this all-white table setting, Cowie added pomanders of roses to white tulips and topped each plate with a single orchid.

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.

Cowie's all-star clientele includes Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore. Even when staging a celebrity-filled extravaganza (such as a birthday party thrown by Moore for Bruce Willis), Cowie prefers to create "an even playing field socially." He avoids introducing his friends by their job descriptions. "I mean, it's pretentious to come and say, this is the most important man in the world," he says. That goes for you too, Bruce Willis.

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.

From the Setai Hotel in Miami comes one of Cowie's favorite cocktails, the Chili Passion. "It's alive with flavor and sweet and spicy on the palette," he writes.

1 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. orange juice
2 oz. Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum
1 oz. passion fruit puree
¼ oz. fresh ginger juice (½ cup ginger per two cups of water, brewed slowly-do not boil-for fifteen to twenty min.)
8 to 12 seeds of red Thai chili pepper, 3 to 4 pieces of chopped-up chili, and 1 red Thai chili pepper, sliced, for garnish (slice it so it adheres to the glass!)
Nutmeg for garnish.

Combine all of the juices, puree, rum, and the chili pepper seeds and chopped-up chili. Add to a cocktail shaker two thirds full of ice. Shake for fifteen seconds, strain, and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with the sliced red chili pepper by attaching it to the rim of the glass, or simply float the chili in the drink (do not eat the chili). Top with a dash of nutmeg!

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.

Cowie has called Oprah Winfrey, "without a doubt, my favorite client." It's no wonder he was chosen by Winfrey's pals to plan her spectacular 50th birthday celebration. For a "girls only" luncheon, Cowie created an English countryside-inspired fantasy setting with an "O"-shaped table surrounding trellises and two harps. Like to try a less lavish theme? Cowie suggests pairing Moroccan food with a viewing of Casablanca or using seashells to create a beachy feel.

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.

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.

Cowie has planned parties for celebrities such as Nicole Kidman (not to mention her ex-husband, Tom Cruise). When hosting your own A list, don't be tempted to try out fancy new recipes. "Stick with what you know and do not confuse dinner guests with guinea pigs," writes Cowie. "The tried-and-true recipes are always best." He recommends foolproof favorites such as roasted chicken or your favorite local takeout.

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.

"A centerpiece is the focal point of your table," writes Cowie. "It should give your guests something mesmerizingly beautiful to look at (aside from one another)." He recommends filling a small vase with a lush collection of flowers to make "a very lavish impression."

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.

Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld entrusted Cowie to arrange their laid-back nuptials (Lisa Kudrow and Kelsey Grammer have also taken the plunge with Cowie's help). The Seinfelds' wedding featured a decadent chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. Take advantage of a smaller guest list by serving individual cups of creme brulee or chocolate pots de creme.

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.

The perfect host should not neglect that most essential of places-the powder room. "Remember to check the condition of the bathroom several times during the evening," writes Cowie. "It's essential that you keep it clean all night long, and that there be extra hand towels, extra tissues, extra soap, extra everything!"

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.