Insta-party!

I often leaf through InStyle's party and home decor section (usually at the back of the mag each month), and dream about the day when I will serve passionfruit mojitos and tuna tartar to my guests on trendy art deco trays. Of course, Mario Batali will be manning the kitchen and magical maids will clean all the dishes. Can't wait!

Until I get to that level of entertaining maturity, it's nice to know that some designers are looking out for us in-betweeners (in-between red Solo cups filled with keg beer and champagne cocktails served in real glassware, that is).

I heart these chic paper shades from German company Anke and Katrin:

Simply assemble and drop one of these simply and pretty parchment lampshades over a votive in a wine glass. Mood lighting galore!

Cheap-o wineglasses from Target = $24.99 for 12
Votive candles = 10 cents or less each
Parchment lamp shades = $30 for three
Making a dinner party special by adding a few affordable, tasteful touches = Priceless