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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party

Part One

By Julia Rosien

Move over Martha Stewart, and step aside Colin Cowie. Make room for Phyllis Cambria and Patty Sachs! Their new book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party, offers would-be party-givers professional and practical advice for coordinating a flawlessly polished party. They also tackle all your party dilemmas with their new full-service Web site, PartyPlusPlans.com. From hosting a child's birthday party to theme events and elegant cocktails, Cambria and Sachs offer a cornucopia of research and resources – as close as a mouse click or a page turn away.

"Don't hesitate, procrastinate, deliberate or speculate ... just celebrate," says Patty Sachs, author of eight party books. Colleagues in the party-giving industry refer to Sachs as the consummate party planner. She frequently answers questions on TV and radio and in newspaper columns and is the celebration expert for several Internet sites related to special events and parties.

Sachs created "Don't Wait – Celebrate Week" to give people something to celebrate during the second full week in August, the only week during the year that does not include an official holiday. "People attending celebration events have a great time, share feelings of sentiment, humor and admiration for each other," says Sachs. "Relationships are strengthened, self-esteem is fostered and general spirituality is buoyed."

"Enjoy what you're doing and you'll never work a day in your life," says Phyllis Cambria. She remembers turning 16 and the luau her mother helped her create for an unforgettable birthday party. "We made leis, paper flowers, favors from clam shells and netting and carved pineapples – the whole works." They even hired a band from her high school and dressed them in Hawaiian shirts.