Las Vegas may be the capital of cocktail cool. However, says Vice President of MGM MIRAGE Events’ Cheryl Fish, “The sensual appeal of a martini party is universal.” Why? “It enables us to simply get away from everyday stresses and slip into a wondrous world of fantasy,” explains the founder and head of MGM MIRAGE’s award-winning event production studio. “It’s fun, fascinating and seductive.” What’s more, with a little dramatic flair, a little imagination and plenty of ice, it’s also one of the easiest at-home soirčes to plan and pull off beautifully.

Got a nostalgic notion? “Consider the look of a swanky themed cocktail party where the mood is ’50s mod, with a twist of contemporary chic,” Fish suggests. Accent sofas with plush pillows in “vibrant citrus and berry shades, with a touch of wild leopard print.” Coax cool lighting effects from ordinary lamps by attaching curvy shades that cast shadows on surrounding walls. And forget fancy floral—what your too-coolfor- school party needs are “monochromatic flowers inserted in color floral foam placed into clear, square vases.” As for drinks, Fish says, “Serve colorful apple martinis, lemon-drop martinis and Cosmopolitans, of course. Dust glass rims in cocktail candy, slip in a rock-candy swizzle stick, and display on a bar or table wrapped in olive green sateen fabric. Pair with fondue and feel the retro vibe. It’s intoxicating!”