Dress up or dress down?

UP! This is New Year’s Eve in Beverly Hills

Our first cocktail of the night should be? 

 Something fun and frothy - tonight it will be a Gin Fizz.

What’s on the playlist?

Think 1960s L.A. - The Mamas and The Papas, Elvis Presley, The Doors and Jose Feliciano.

Interior musts? 

Great lighting, lots of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, plus a roaring fire poolside.

And what about the flowers?

This time of year; paperwhites in silver cache pots, and hypericum, anthurium and amaryllis – all in white.

Menu must-have?

For a celebration? Caviar!

Favourite recipe stolen from a restaurant?

Twice baked soufflé from Wilton’s, Jermyn Street London.

Best kept party secret?

Keep the momentum - don’t be afraid to dim the lights, change the music, serve trays of an exciting cocktail in between courses or a spoiling late night snack. Move rooms even...but keep the element of excitement! Particularly on New Year’s Eve when the night can feel like a marathon.

Dream dinner guests?

Those that arrive no sooner than 15 minutes after the invitation time, can talk with anyone, know how to dance and can mix a great drink in a pinch.

What’s for dessert?

My chocolate mousse. Dessert should always be a crowd pleaser.

Herbal tea or nightcap?

Both! Trays of Moroccan mint tea served at midnight can always be followed by an Amaretto chaser!

Kissing at midnight?

It would be churlish not to. 

One new year’s resolution?

Host more house parties!