Ashley Olsen Casual Cool in Jeans

Another Cool Nicole Richie Hairstyle

LC Airport Style - Casual Cool

Gwyneth Goop Fashion

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Steps to be Ready-to-Entertain at a Moment's Notice

1. Always be prepared to offer some tea - create a tea tray with cups, saucers, sugar, tea and packaged cookies or tablewater crackers. Just add water and voila!

2. How bout a drink? Use the same principle to create a bar station for guests that prefer something stronger. A minimal bar might include vodka, scotch, a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine. Keep sparkling water, citrus fruit and a juice or two in the fridge. If you entertain frequently, think of creating a signature cocktail to offer your guests. Keep nuts and nibbles in your pantry or freezer that can be accessed at a moment's notice.

3. So, do you want to stay for Dinner? A quick dinner can be as simple as pasta and canned sauce(both of which can find spare space in the cupboard). Add some grated parmesan, which can be kept in the freezer.

4. Sure you can crash. Keep guest bed or area for guests ready at all times - this includes having a clean sheet, pillowcase, and towel handy. (one additional idea - have the guest towel monogrammed "guest" so the person feels special knowing it is just for them).

The Always Stylish Nicole Richie

Entertaining at the White House

Seeing the stylish first-lady-to-be Michelle Obama has made me revisit one of my favorite topics - entertaining White House style! Here is a picture of the "State Dining Room" - wouldn't it be a dream to entertain there? For more pictures and a tour of the rooms of the White House, check out this link http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/

One of my favorite books on this topic is Hillary Clinton's "An Invitation to the White House: At Home With History"

Did you know that the first lady's first tasks upon entering the White House are picking out China patterns (for 220!) and hiring a calligrapher! How COOL!

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