about our writers

eva ingvarson

Email: eva.ingvarson@gmail.com

A former editor at Bon Appétit and numerous entertainment publications, Eva now combines her insider's knowledge of food, entertaining and pop culture with her love of potent potables and zany party games to share tips that make any bash better. When not at a party, Eva can be found making vinegar, jams and pickles to bring as a gift to or serve at her next soiree.

Favorite party cocktail: The house drink, whatever it happens to be

Favorite party theme: Heaven and hell

Favorite song to get the guests dancing: Groove Is in the Heart/ Deee-lite

#1 piece of party advice: Be sure you have more than enough food and drinks, and don't stress about little things that go wrong.

#1 piece of party etiquette: Don't come empty-handed, and don't leave without thanking the hosts.

grace jidoun

Email: Grace Jidoun

Grace Jidoun has been entertaining since the age of 8, when she hosted a Halloween costume party for her block. After a stint in New York City where she worked for Money and Vanity Fair, she returned home to California and landed at Bon Appétit magazine. There, she unleashed her inner chef and returned to her entertaining roots. She now writes about food and travel for many publications. In her spare time, she runs a catering company, which specializes in appetizers for cocktail parties and showers.

Favorite party cocktail: Mint Fizz

Favorite party theme: Fisherman/ Mermaid

Favorite song to get the guests dancing: Check the Rhime/Tribe Called Quest

Best appetizer you have had at a party: Cream cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon

Worst party story: Walking in on two people "doing it" in the coat closet

#1 piece of party etiquette: Always knock before entering

jim pascoe

Website: www.jimpascoe.com

Jim Pascoe writes comics, short stories, novels, and more. His most recent project is Undertown, an upcoming dark fantasy epic from publisher Tokyopop. Previous work includes two pulp fiction books (including the cult fave, By the Balls: a Bowling Alley Murder Mystery), five Buffy the Vampire Slayer graphic novels, and three kids books for Disney Press. Look around the parties of Los Angeles and eventually you'll find him.

Favorite party cocktail: Red wine and Coke mixed with ice

Favorite song to get the guests dancing: Kick It/ Peaches (featuring Iggy Pop)

Best appetizer you have had at a party: Caviar

#1 piece of party advice: Don't be the first to arrive. Don't be the last to leave.

#1 piece of party etiquette: Always bring a little something for the host.

malin e. hansson

Website: chickenravioli.blogspot.com

From Sweden to Holland and Los Angeles via Austin, Chicago and Madrid � Malin E. Hansson has wined and dined with all kinds of fancy, fabulous and culinary peeps. The point? Food and drink and fun and deliciously magical tidbits run the world. And as long as you smile and act nice - happy follows.

Favorite party cocktail: Campari & Tonic

Favorite party theme: Wine Tasting

Favorite song to get the guests dancing: Dancing Queen/ Abba

Best appetizer you have had at a party: Crab dip

Worst party story: Forgetting that linoleum and hot Le Creuset pots do not get along

#1 piece of party etiquette: Always bring a little something. Always.

martine trélaün

Email: m@savoir-faire.org
Website: www.savoir-faire.org

Founded in 1997 by Martine Trélaün, Design + Know-How is an award-winning creative studio whose work spans the globe, and encompasses everything from corporate identity and branding, to book design and web projects to writing, illustration, and texture design for luxury fabrics. Everything we create is imbued with the best of American and French cultures... like chocolat in your peanut butter! Vive la différence!

Favorite party cocktail: Louis Roederer Brut Rosé

Favorite party theme: April in Paris

Favorite song to get the guests dancing: Mr. Big Stuff/ Jean Knight

#1 piece of party advice: Look smashing.