How To Be Party Ready

You set the date, sent out the invites and prepped the menu. The only thing left? To look like you haven't been slaving away in the kitchen all day and night. Use these smart fashion and beauty tricks to make (or fake) like a natural-born hostess-with limitless style.

Keep Accessories Simple
Add a little sparkle without trying too hard: Top off a low, messy bun with one of these pretty floral bursts.

Tasha Chiffon Flower Clips, $38;

nordstrom.com.

Flats You Can Wear All Night Long

Being comfortable and being chic don't have to be mutually exclusive. Slip on a pair of color-bright flats that will keep you on your feet all night long and easily dress up a casual look.

Leather tie-dye flats, Longchamp, $408; 212-343-7444.

Gloss in a Hurry

Stash a mini lip gloss set in the knife drawer for quick touch-ups between runs from the kitchen to the living room.

Mini Glace Set, Laura Mercier, $36;

lauramercier.com.

A Soft, Subtle Scent

Spritz on fragrance that won't overpower the food, like thissoft Bliss scent. With notes of cucumber and dewy greens, it's almost like a palette cleanser.

Bliss Eau de Toilette, $54;

blissworld.com.

Be a Chic Hostess

Protect your clothing with a retro-inspired apron-which also cleverly hides stains in its mixed-pattern design.

Cotton apron, $38;

anthropologie.com.

A Classic, No-Fuss Dress

Look for pieces in soft fabrics that move with you throughout the night. Dresses, like this one-shouldered Ann Taylor version, are an easy way to look put-together.

Rayon jersey dress, $88;

anntaylor.com.