Park City event planner and owner of Wish Boutique EmilyWhite is a pro at entertaining guests. Here she shares her top tips for hosting an easy and memorable soirée.

Plan Ahead: “As we say in the world of event planning, the devil is in the details,” says White. “Prepare days, if not weeks, in advance so that you’re not tying up loose ends and scrambling to get it all together in the final hours. You want to enjoy your party, too!”

Set the Mood: “When setting the scene and creating the ambience for a party, I always start with a theme and a color palette,” explains White. Look to the season, location, or vibe of your celebration for inspiration.

Drink Up: “I always recommend including a signature cocktail with any event,” says White. “It helps solidify the theme and offers guests something new that they may not ordinarily drink.”

In Bloom: “Flowers are always a must,” says White. “They add a touch of thoughtfulness to a party and indicate that you care about the environment you’re trying to create for your guests.” Call in the talents of a local bloomsmith or pick up some fresh stems at a local grocery store or farmers market—Whole Foods and Copper Moose Farm typically have good selections—and look for simple floral-arranging ideas on Pinterest.

See White's advice in action when she plans the perfect backyard tailgate.