NOVEMBER 2007

KAREN MILLS

Host of “Living Large” on News Radio 980 KMBZ

What do you consider the most memorable element of a party?

I love to go to parties and for me, it’s an ambiance that draws you in and makes you feel welcome.

What do you mean by “ambience”?

Sight, smell, taste and sound. But also having something that’s been given to you, like pair of house shoes to wear at the party. A small gift or token, maybe a name card. Those are the things I always remember. I still have a pair of house shoes from a party I went to. You feel special, and that’s what people like when they go to a party. Not only great ambience, great food and great atmosphere, but also a token that shows you’re special.

What do you spend the most time and money on when throwing your own party?

I focus more on how to make it something special, something unique that they’re going to remember. It might be a theme, or it might be something that the person particularly likes. I threw a surprise birthday party for a friend from a different part of the country, so I themed the party around where she was from with food and music.

Any other tips?

For me, another thing that’s really important is that it’s not about how many thousands of dollars you spend but about having something unexpected. An element of surprise. When guests arrive, they see something they didn’t expect. You can do something in décor that’s a surprise. You could present the food in a themed manner.