FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: TAO OF GROOVE

Happy November! Camille from Style Notes here, with the latest dose of felicity in our Fantasy to Fête series. Today's inspiration board is a fresh, happy take on an autumn palette... c'mon, who says parties at this time of year have to be all about the falling leaves and turkey?!

I'm envisioning this board for a modern cocktail party with a classic combo of green & white, punched up with crisp black for graphic interest. Invite a few friends to mix, mingle & nosh on Asian-inspired hors d'oeuvres, turn up a playlist of lounge-y grooves, and enjoy a festive evening before the chaos of the holidays begins.

Keep things simple by setting a monochrome table with white dishes... add pops of energizing color by layering bold napkins in cheery chartreuse. Low glass vases full of fragrant herbs and white pumpkins are a sleek spin on tradition.

Even last-minute gatherings can be elevated by sending hand-written invites. Use a bold green sharpie to scrawl the deets on heavy white cardstock, then pop into a coordinating square envelope for an effortlessly chic touch.

For the most surprising presentation, serve chilled sake-tinis in hollowed-out cucumbers. Add a cucumber swizzle stick, & sip!

Since cocktails are the star of this party, offer two specialty drinks: make batches of this spicy ginger gimlet in advance so that guests can serve themselves once the party in full swing.

Satay is perfect mingling food: it's easy to eat with one hand while balancing a martini glass in the other. The chicken is marinated in bright Asian flavors like ginger & soy, and it's substantial enough to satisfy after-work party guests. For the full menu with recipes, hop over to Style Notes. And stay tuned for our next Fantasy to Fête... traditional turkey gets a major dose of style!

*images: {row 1} katy perry by lara backmender, sarah ridgley, williams-sonoma, blush events {row 2} eclectic images, brides, karen wise {row 3} brides, williams-sonoma, johny miller {row 4} matt armendariz, paper moon project. all menu images from williams-sonoma.