The tree is up and the shopping is (almost) done – so let’s talk parties. Wardrobe-wise, the holidays are when I pull out all the stops and never fear overdressing. But playing hostess brings a whole new set of rules: you don’t have to worry about being weather-appropriate, but you do need to be ready to jump into action (whether it’s whipping up more apps or sopping up that spilled cocktail). Look no further than these pieces to assemble the hostess-friendly outfit of your party dreams.

The dress: As the hostess, you’re lucky enough to never have to brave the elements. Take advantage and rock something without sleeves – you may not get that chance again for quite a few months. This one-shoulder beauty keeps things seasonally appropriate with a rich, deep purple.

The tights: Okay, so you don’t have to venture outdoors – still, bare legs throw off a winter-friendly ensemble. These sparkly tights are totally festive and fitting for a holiday soiree. And if there’s need for a last-minute trip to the corner store, you’ll be ready.

The shoes: In general, I tend to avoid heels at all costs. But if there’s one occasion to break from the norm, it’s a holiday party. That doesn’t mean forsaking comfort, though – opt for something basic, and make sure you’re ready to take on a night of making the rounds before you commit to heels.

The finishing touches: I love this ponytail for an at-home party – it’s glamorous, yet functional when hostess duties call. To complement your ‘do, go for simpler earrings with lots of drop. As for bracelets, I love bangles. They won’t get in the way, and are the most customizable kind of bling – wear them stacked or solo.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

Have a tip for your perfect hostess ensemble? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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It’s better to give than to receive – sage advice we should all be following, especially during the holiday season. This nugget is doubly important to bear in mind when shopping for your next Yankee Swap soiree.

I know I can’t be the only one who suffers from severe shopping anxiety when it comes to finding the perfect communal gift. Your purchase is bound to change hands multiple times throughout the night, so it needs appeal to everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for family or friends, men or women, or a mixed bag of the aforementioned, show up with any of the following and your gift will be the envy of the evening.

Wine. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to gifting a bottle of vino. Stick to classics like Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Riesling to accommodate even the most discerning of taste buds. Dress it up by pairing your bottle of choice with a set of new wine glasses or wine charms to adorn the neck. Voilà! Instagift.

Gift cards. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone at a party who won’t appreciate saving a few bucks on their everyday staples. Coffee, music, and book purchases all fall under this umbrella, but feel free to get creative – try filling a decorative coffee mug with eye-catching tissue paper and resting the gift cards on top.

Think cozy. Pair winter-friendly items together to create an irresistibly comfy gift set. A fleece throw and a lightly scented candle will make the weather outside seem not-so-frightful.

Gourmet touches. The holiday shelves are stocked with plenty of tasty, pre-packaged gift packs. From hot cocoa to pastry mixes, there are more than enough appetizing options out there for aspiring chefs (or anyone with a sweet tooth). Find a unique bowl or platter to jazz up your presentation.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What are you bringing to your next Yankee Swap? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Our copy team gathered last night to celebrate autumn with an all-too-seasonal pumpkin party. From sinfully sweet treats to hearty, savory delights (emphasis on the former), the writers brought some serious culinary competitors to the well-adorned table. Here are some quick tips to help you throw a gourd-themed bash of your own:

Décor
Start your décor off right with these beautiful DIY Pumpkin Planters that are so easy to make (plus you have seeds left over for a quick-baked snack). Add themed serving platters and – of course – more pumpkins, and the mood will pretty much set itself.

Activities
Pumpkin carving, while the ultimate October activity, is logistically tricky. Instead, pick up some medium-sized pumpkins and set out paint pens, mod podge (equal parts glue and water), tissue paper, stick-on moustaches, and whatever else appeals to you, then let your guests decorate to their hearts’ content. No messy goop to clean up, and everyone gets to create their own take-home favor.

Food
A variety of dishes is the key to hosting a successful meal, so decide on a theme and ask guests to bring a favorite to share. Our spread included baked brie with pumpkin butter, salad topped with pumpkin seeds, pumpkin-stuffed ravioli, and enough delicious, pumpkin-infused baked goods to cover a tabletop. Offer mulled cider, red wine, or pumpkin spice martinis, and you’ll be glad that, by the time your guests say good night, you’re already at home.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

Have a great pumpkin-themed party idea? Share it in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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I’ve been invited to several parties hosted by designer Reem Acra over the years, but was never able to attend until last week. And holy crow, had I been missing out! Reem, who was raised in Lebanon and studied fashion design at FIT in New York and the ESMOD Ecole de Mode in Paris, is the consummate hostess with the mostest.

This became immediately apparent as my husband and I entered her Chelsea apartment – which was lit with twinkling votives and glowing purple trees for the occasion – and were offered glasses of champagne and red wine by handsome young waiters. The glass-topped tables were lit from below and adorned with small vases of roses and tall silver bowls overflowing with tasty snacks, while other waiters passed tuna tartare and foie gras hors d’oeuvres.

“Eclectic,” Reem said when asked to describe her décor. “I think it has my whole personality. I love coming home at night and enjoying the atmosphere I’ve created. It has a little bit of all my trips; wherever I travel I’ve collected things since I was a little girl. Things I love and adore – from the dishes to the candles. Everything I have, I have to love!”

Although my own style hews more toward mid-century modern/Design Within Reach, I also love the moody, evocative atmosphere Reem has created in her spacious abode, which she bought 10 years ago to house her showroom and “slowly, slowly” transformed into her personal living space.

“In the beginning it was my showroom and house at the same time,” she told me as legendary stylist Freddie Leiba and editors from InStyle mixed and mingled. “It was so easy. I would be in my bedroom and get dressed, then pick up my handbag and walk into the office in my living room.’”

“It’s always a work in progress,” she added as her adorable white Maltese, Lulu, snuggled at her feet. “Every time you come here, things change. The tables get moved or have been changed completely. I change it whenever I’m in the mood. But what I enjoy the most is when I’m having breakfast all alone every day in my living room on my settee with sterling silver and fine dishes – it’s like breakfast for a king and I do it all the time with the best dishes I have. With everything I have, I never skimp. So I’m living life to the fullest. Growing up I remember my mother saying, ‘This is for guests. This is for a special time.’ And I decided when I grew up I would live. So I am my own guest and I am living the best life ever.”

That much was clear from glancing around the beautifully appointed living room, with its plush velvet couches, low-slung glass coffee tables and elaborately carved wooden panels (and don’t even get me started on the private changing room that houses Reem’s incredible vintage clothing archive).

The designer — who is famous for her intricately embroidered ready-to-wear and bridal collections — also owns homes in Beirut and Nashville and lives to entertain. She even co-owns an event planning business, called Dreemcom, in her native Lebanon. She entertains at least once a week – freewheeling cocktail parties or formal dinner parties – and takes ballroom dance lessons in the kitchen.

“I entertain myself every single day,” Reem said with a laugh before excusing herself to greet arriving guests. It’s a great life lesson, and one I plan to adopt myself. And you can bet I’ll never miss another party hosted by the gracious Ms. Acra.

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

Most designers take a low-key approach to the Resort season by presenting their collection in a showroom setting to an intimate, by-appointment-only group of editors and buyers. Not so for Stella McCartney, who always hosts a big party to debut her Resort offerings. And this year was no different.

Stella & co. took over St. Luke’s in the Field in New York’s West Village last week to host a seriously fun beer garden party. Guests entered the garden – which adjoins a school – through a brick archway festooned with balloons. Inside, leggy young models wearing Stella McCartney Resort looks mingled with a crowd that included Bono, Estelle, Liv Tyler, and Naomi Watts, along with editors from every major fashion mag and department store in town.

Everyone was nibbling tasty veggie hors d’oeuvres, drinking beer or lemonade, and watching models play ping-pong or croquet. There was a Scrabble board set up on one picnic table (with tiles spelling out S-t-e-l-l-a  M-c-C-a-r-t-n-e-y), a festive piñata hung from a tree branch, a pretzel cart, a shaved ice stand, a live band, and bottles of bubbles for all, which the kids in attendance were running around blowing with abandon. Fun!

The grown-ups, myself included, were having more fun ooh-ing and ahh-ing over Stella’s collection, which features bold striped and floral dresses and sharply tailored suiting alongside some seriously sexy (faux leather) accessories. I especially loved the floral-print tote bags and neon-trimmed “snakeskin” shoes.

Alas, I’ll have to wait ‘til November to get my hands on those puppies. But I did nab a little pot of roses (Stella’s version of a goodie bag), which is now soaking up the rays in front of my living room window, keeping the good garden party vibes going all summer long.

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

We sat down with makeup artist Samantha Michelle for three looks that will take your through the season in flawless style. Whether bundled up in a chunky knit sweater or strutting through parties in your holiday finest, these makeup must-tries are the perfect finishing touches to this season’s festive fashion.