It’s the season for elegant entertaining. French designer Catherine Malandrino offers Glam a few fabulous tips for hosting an haute holiday soiree …

Serve Simple Hors D’oeuvres
You don’t want to spend hours stressing and prepping. Keep things simple and avoid running around the kitchen in your stilettos. Catherine Malandrino, says “Sometimes less is more both in fashion and entertaining, so I always like to serve simple, refined rustic fare such as cheese, grapes, honey, apples, and nuts.”

Keep the Guest List in Mind
“You can keep it small and intimate with a dinner party for 12 to 15 people. But if you’re looking to entertain in true New York style, skip the sit-down dinner and stick with hors d’oeuvres which will allow you to open your guest list to 35 to 50 people. One thing to always remember when planning a cocktail party in Manhattan is space accommodation. The smaller your space, the more intimate the event,” says Malandrino.

Get the Party Started With Music
Malandrino suggests playing a few unexpected French favorites from upbeat songstresses likes Brigitte Bardot and Les Nubians. “These ladies are sure to add just the right amount of the dreamy Persian vibe to your holiday party.”

Serve a Signature Cocktail
Malandrino suggests serving the “Madame Liberty” cocktail at all your holiday soirees this season. Here’s the recipe created by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff …

1 oz. Cointreau
Splash of Fresh Blood Orange Juice
Piper Sonoma or Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé Champagne Served in a champagne
flute and garnished with an orange twist

Give the Hostess Something Stylish
When invited to someone’s home for a party, it’s always thoughtful to bring  a special and personal gift. The Cointreau limited-edition bottle by Catherine Malandrino is a fashion-forward and fabulous find for the hostess with the mostest. The bottle also doubles as a collector’s item after all the cocktails have been poured! It’s available in stores through the holiday season. $200.

*Getty Images

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