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A dark comedy cum thriller that swings between manic and straightforward with the occasional dreamy, explanatory romantic flashback, "The Perfect Host" is a mixed bag that veers from inspired lunacy with deft thriller touches to over-the-top madness and occasionally lazy writing.

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People.com: Tori Spelling Reveals Her Royal Wedding Party Plansupdated: Thu Apr 28 2011 08:09:00

The sTORIbook Weddings star will have a sleepover with traditional English food and decorations

People.com: Gail Simmons's Dessert Partyupdated: Sat Dec 25 2010 09:28:00

The Top Chef: Just Desserts host shares her secrets for throwing a decadent bash

People.com: Erin Andrews Shares Football Party Tipsupdated: Fri Nov 26 2010 15:29:00

The ESPN sportscaster has rules for hosting a game-day gathering

Calm down, Thanksgiving is just a mealupdated: Wed Nov 24 2010 12:26:00

Eatocracy's Kat Kinsman has some tips on how to make Thanksgiving stress free and delicious.

8 tips for surviving Thanksgiving as a coupleupdated: Wed Nov 24 2010 12:26:00

Thanksgiving is one of those great holidays that are less about commercialism and more about togetherness (and food, of course).

People.com: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's Housewarming Invitation Revealed!updated: Sun Jun 06 2010 20:27:00

The new West Coast residents also ask friends to help celebrate their 6th anniversary

People.com: Bullock's Sister Sets Record Straight on Sandra's Whereaboutsupdated: Mon Apr 19 2010 11:11:00

The Oscar winner was not in Vermont for Easter, says Gesine Bullock-Prado

Party like an Avatar: How to throw an Oscar bashupdated: Thu Mar 04 2010 12:10:00

Everything will glow -- the balloons, the table cloths, the blue martinis and the party favors. The red carpet will turn blue. Even the female impersonators will be painted -- you guessed it -- blue.

Fortune: Housing outlook for 2010updated: Wed Dec 09 2009 08:26:00

In a dour year for the economy, the housing market has offered some glimmers of hope. Home sales have improved, recently hitting their highest level in more than two years. There's been talk of bidding wars resuming in places like Silicon Valley and New York City. And cocktail party chatter everywhere has started to turn to talk of a bottom. So at least where housing's concerned, things are looking not so bad -- right?

People.com: Zac & Vanessa Throw a Dinner Partyupdated: Tue Dec 08 2009 13:17:00

• Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, hosting a party for the actress's Sucker Punch castmates at Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House in Vancouver, B.C. The casually dressed duo picked out platters of food to serve family style and also mingled with all their guests during the four-hour dinner. "They played musical chairs, going from table to table to speak with all their friends," a source tells us. The couple was also "very affectionate with each other" as they enjoyed their meal. Afterward, the group piled into a stretch limo and continued the party at Hudgens's hotel.

CNNMoney: Wall Street puts holiday parties on iceupdated: Tue Dec 01 2009 10:31:00

Life might be good again on Wall Street these days, but financial firms are taking pains not to pop the champagne corks this holiday season.

With pardon, Obama delivers turkey from its fate as foodupdated: Wed Nov 25 2009 14:25:00

A big bird from the East is heading west, thanks to a second chance at life given by President Obama in the nation's capital Wednesday, a day before Americans sit down to Thanksgiving dinner.

Obama pardons lucky turkeyupdated: Wed Nov 25 2009 14:25:00

President Obama pardons a turkey, continuing a presidential Thanksgiving tradition.

People.com: How to Throw a New Moon Pre-Party!updated: Wed Nov 18 2009 14:38:00

Follow these five easy steps for a killer bash

Choosing no kids -- maybe notupdated: Thu Nov 12 2009 09:28:00

I learned how to write at the bowling alley.

CNNMoney: Holiday parties getting downsizedupdated: Tue Oct 27 2009 15:16:00

The office holiday party will be a modest affair this year, if it happens at all, according to a survey of human resources executives released Tuesday.

Brides can be cheap, but not tackyupdated: Fri Oct 16 2009 11:21:00

Planning the celebration of a lifetime during the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression is a daunting task, so it's no secret that many brides are cutting back. The average amount a couple is spending on their wedding this year is down more than $5,000 from 2008, theweddingreport.com estimates.

Fortune: Behind the scenes at Disney's first fan conventionupdated: Mon Sep 14 2009 11:55:00

Last Friday, Johnny Depp came onto a stage at the Anaheim Convention Center and wowed the crowd by appearing in full costume as Captain Jack Sparrow, the star of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. On the same stage, actors John Travolta and Nicholas Cage dropped by, and singer Miley Cyrus performed -- all surprises for star-struck fans who bought tickets to attend "D23 Expo", Walt Disney's first-ever in-house convention for its faithful.

People.com: Was the New Jon & Kate Plus Eight Worth the Wait?updated: Tue May 26 2009 15:08:00

PEOPLE.com weighs in on a dramatic season premiere with a party, cake - and tears

People.com: Natasha Richardson: 'She Was So Much Fun'updated: Tue Mar 24 2009 19:08:00

A PEOPLE writer recalls the "luminous spirit" of a star she befriended far from home

Underground supper clubs a delicious discoveryupdated: Wed Mar 04 2009 11:39:00

Last October, more than 40 people followed signs depicting a skull and crossbones, with a knife and fork in place of the bones, to a secluded Bavarian-style hunting lodge 30 minutes north of St. Louis.

A fun family voyageupdated: Fri Jan 16 2009 13:59:00

Our ship hadn't quite left port when I handed my teenager a present: a lovely leather-bound notebook with lined pages and a variety of colorful pens. His mission was to keep a cruise journal, a tell-all, remember-the-moments account of his days (and nights) on the high seas.

People.com: Party Like a Star (On a Real-Life Budget)updated: Tue Dec 30 2008 15:11:00

Celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss shares great ideas for three memorable celebrations under $300

People.com: Heidi & Seal's 'Sweet' P.D.A.-Filled Dinner Partyupdated: Tue Dec 23 2008 14:20:00

• Heidi Klum and Seal, attending an intimate dinner party at West Hollywood's Chateau Marmont. The couple sat under the awning of the famed hotel's patio, and acted "very cozy with each other," an onlooker says. The pair sat at the table with five friends and laughed and chatted with the group for hours. Klum sipped wine with one hand, while keeping the other firmly on Seal's knee. Every once in a while, Seal would lean over and kiss his wife on the cheek. Says the onlooker: "It was very sweet."

People.com: Does Guy Ritchie Have a New Girlfriend?updated: Mon Dec 22 2008 15:30:00

Madonna's ex and millionaire socialite Jemima Khan are keeping London abuzz

How to avoid holiday party hell in your homeupdated: Tue Dec 16 2008 09:53:00

This time of year, it's inevitable. Friends and family will be stopping by or -- worse -- staying over. Yes, I know you're supposed to feel jolly about welcoming in every relative looking for a bit of holiday cheer, but, if you're like me, you're more likely to experience some confusion, faintness, even a little nausea.

How NOT to be the party spectacleupdated: Thu Dec 04 2008 09:08:00

Though I can't remember his name, I can still recall the face of the guest who whipped out a handful of Ziploc bags as a long ago Christmas party was winding down.

Eight tricky holiday situations -- we've got answersupdated: Thu Dec 04 2008 08:52:00

Get solutions to tackle the trickiest of holiday situations from this etiquette panel.

Gifts in a recessionupdated: Mon Dec 01 2008 16:41:00

CNN's Josh Levs interviews author Robyn Spizman about gifts for the holidays in a rocky economy.

You can buy me gifts -- here's my listupdated: Mon Dec 01 2008 16:41:00

When Gerette Braunsdorf got an invitation to an acquaintance's housewarming party, she was shocked to see the host had registered for gifts at a popular but pricey home retailer.

People.com: A-Rod Spends Thanksgiving With Family and Madonnaupdated: Sun Nov 30 2008 15:51:00

The Yankee slugger also is reportedly spotted giving Madonna a water bottle between songs at her concert

SI.com: Andy Staples: Inside Rolle's trip from Rhodes interview to FSU gameupdated: Mon Nov 24 2008 15:48:00

Experiencing firsthand the spoils of the sale of 10 million Bloomin' Onions could almost make someone feel sorry for those three auto-industry executives who got thrashed in Congress for flying to Washington on their private jets. Aboard a seven-seat limousine with wings loaned by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham -- with the NCAA's blessing, of course -- Florida State safety Myron Rolle sank into his leather seat. Saturday had begun with a 30-minute shower in Mountain Brook, Ala. It would end with a blowout win five states and one District of Columbia away. In between, Rolle took one giant stride toward a future of limitless opportunity.

Eat, drink and swap your clothes!updated: Fri Nov 14 2008 09:50:00

Not only is a clothing swap a great excuse to organize your closets, get rid of stuff you no longer want, and gather a group of girlfriends for an afternoon or evening of cocktails and clothes, it's also an opportunity to score some totally free new-to-you outfits and accessories.

Why family meals matterupdated: Fri Nov 07 2008 09:17:00

This holiday season, one of the most valuable gifts you'll give your family won't come wrapped in a box or have a card attached. Instead, it will happen around your dining table, where you'll sit down to share a meal, conversation, and traditions with the people who matter most to you. And as special as family meals are throughout the holidays, they can also significantly enhance the life of your family every day.

CNNMoney: Scrooge hits your holiday partyupdated: Thu Nov 06 2008 12:17:00

The economic crisis has put a hold on holiday parties, as companies from Wall Street to Main Street cancel or cut back their seasonal festivities.

SI.com: Andy Staples: What does Florida-Georgia have in store one year after the stomp?updated: Fri Oct 31 2008 09:50:00

Everyone zipped their lips. But why?

Time.com: Veganismupdated: Thu Oct 30 2008 13:00:00

The story behind people who don't eat meat (or egg or dairy or anything that that came from an animal)

People.com: Jennifer Lopez Surprises Husband with Glamorous Birthday Bashupdated: Wed Sep 17 2008 16:08:00

How did the star keep Marc Anthony's Old Havana-style celebration a secret? She's an actress!

People.com: Ed McMahon Sues Hospital, Billionaire Over Broken Neckupdated: Sun Jul 20 2008 09:56:00

The TV personality says he's unable to work due to the pain from the fall at a dinner party

How to cut wedding costsupdated: Fri Jun 20 2008 10:47:00

Rebecca Dolgin of The Knot gives ideas for cutting wedding costs.

She had a fabulous wedding on a budgetupdated: Fri Jun 20 2008 10:47:00

Michelle Cottle, 38, of Westchester, New York, always dreamed of an elegant wedding.

People.com: Brad Pitt Helps Bono Celebrate 48th Birthday in Monacoupdated: Mon May 12 2008 09:44:00

The star joins Prince Albert and U2's The Edge for the rocker's big day

Stylist's tips for a company-ready kitchenupdated: Thu Apr 24 2008 08:25:00

Those lucky souls who've had their kitchens professionally photographed know the magic a photo stylist can bring to a space they thought looked pretty good to begin with. But all the stainless appliances and slabs of granite in the world aren't enough to make a kitchen really wow the camera, or your guests. And you know from experience, the kitchen is where they all congregate.

People.com: Naomi Campbell Released from Brazilian Hospitalupdated: Sat Mar 01 2008 18:04:00

The supermodel "has recovered well" from surgery for a small cyst

People.com: Inside Jennifer Aniston's Birthday Bashupdated: Thu Feb 14 2008 07:42:00

All work and no play? Not exactly. But Jennifer Aniston spent her 39th birthday toiling away on the Vancouver set of her upcoming romantic drama, Traveling.

SI.com: Damon Hack: Texans' Green, Simmons reach out to Houston familyupdated: Tue Dec 25 2007 10:32:00

The best play in the NFL this year involved a perfect pass, a great catch, huge celebrations, and even tears.

Taking the kids: Surviving the relatives this holiday seasonupdated: Thu Dec 20 2007 10:15:00

I don't know how innkeepers do it.

Fortune: Avoid office-party regretsupdated: Wed Dec 12 2007 16:41:00

Dear Annie: Please settle an argument. I am a recent (Class of '07) college grad, and since last July have been in the management-training program at a major commercial bank. I really like my job, and rotating through various departments gives me plenty of chances to meet people throughout the company.

Don't party your way to a pink slipupdated: Wed Dec 05 2007 10:55:00

As corporate America prepares to wrap up another year of doing business, office holiday parties loom large and so do the horror stories of parties past.

Throw holiday theme partyupdated: Wed Nov 28 2007 08:58:00

Make your winter event one to remember! From a holiday movie night -- complete with snack ideas and trivia contests -- to a cookie swap, these gatherings will overflow with holiday cheer!

Thanksgiving and sleepupdated: Thu Nov 22 2007 14:12:00

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why people get sleepy after eating Thanksgiving dinner.

One woman's not-so-safe Thanksgivingupdated: Tue Nov 20 2007 13:07:00

For me, putting together a Thanksgiving dinner is about as relaxing as sitting in holiday traffic. But I thought I had a pretty good handle on the food-safety rules:

Dinner party seating solutionsupdated: Tue Nov 06 2007 09:30:00

Quick and easy answers to common dinner-table problems that will banish the hassles of being a hostess and allow you to enjoy the evening, too

Trend watch: The anti-slackerupdated: Fri Nov 02 2007 08:50:00

The year is 1994 and the zeitgeist-y movie is "Reality Bites."

Money Magazine: Plan the perfect partyupdated: Fri Oct 19 2007 11:29:00

This is the time, this is the season. After years of attending everyone else's holiday soirees, New Year's brunches, 50th-birthday bashes and other celebrations, you've decided to throw a party of your own.

Prep your home for overnight guestsupdated: Thu Sep 06 2007 05:58:00

Think-ahead ideas and systems that can make your houseguests' visit enjoyable.

Make last splash best of the seasonupdated: Wed Aug 29 2007 01:41:00

As Labor Day approaches, there's still time for making the last big splash of the summer with a pool party.

People.com: Brad & Angelina Helicopter to the Hamptonsupdated: Mon Aug 27 2007 16:44:00

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie treated their kids to the quintessential New York City weekend, complete with a trip to a hot-dog cart and a carousel ride in Central Park. Then on Saturday night, it was all about helping a good cause: The pair took a helicopter to the Hamptons to host a dinner party raising money to help rebuild New Orleans.

6 quick ways to take control of lifeupdated: Tue Jul 31 2007 22:43:00

These doable projects and ideas will help get a grip on your home, your time, your relationships, and more.

Introducing the utterly random dinner partyupdated: Wed Apr 18 2007 10:50:00

It's 7:30 P.M. on a Saturday, and the front door of a Victorian house in Oakland, California, is wide open. The owner of the home directs arrivals through the kitchen -- where Louisiana shrimp stock simmers on the stove and delicate tomato-and-white-corn tarts are being assembled on a tiled table -- and out to the backyard. Guests are gathering under a canopy of trees, sitting on the colorful cushions that surround the low tables.

Top gadgets for the kitchenupdated: Thu Mar 29 2007 09:05:00

At Cooking Light magazine, we make a variety of dishes every day. And as much as we all appreciate good food, we also appreciate good help in the kitchen.

SI.com: 'Sports Illustrated in the house!'updated: Mon Feb 19 2007 00:10:00

LAS VEGAS -- I don't know how to DJ but Biz Markie is showing me a thing or two as I stand next to him in front of the ones and twos, above a sea of Playboy Bunnies and assorted beautiful people at Club Moon, located high atop The Palms.

CNNMoney: Forget the office party, 'tis the season to get cashupdated: Tue Nov 28 2006 15:19:00

If you work for a small company, your holiday wish has come true at last.

Tips for a safe, healthy holidayupdated: Thu Nov 16 2006 14:22:00

Turkey, stuffing and homemade dessert are usually part of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. But when food is not properly cooked and stored, you run the risk of food poisoning.

FSB: Rent a yacht for your next vacationupdated: Fri Sep 08 2006 09:18:00

We're crossing the Gulf of Argolis: 37°8' N, 22°50' E. The water is placid, without a breath of wind, which is a bit of a disappointment - we've come to Greece to sail, but today we're under diesel...

Money Magazine: The Right Price for Your Kid's Rite of Passageupdated: Fri Sep 01 2006 00:01:00

Have you seen this show on MTV, My Super Sweet 16? It's a reality series in which insane parents spend piles of money throwing parties for offspring who can barely drive. According to the show--and...

Fortune: Party like a celebrityupdated: Fri May 12 2006 12:43:00

Nothing says spring like a great party - the kind with warm breezes, free-flowing drinks and enough open-toed Manolos to keep Mr. Blahnik in business through the next winter.

Best buys in San Franciscoupdated: Thu Apr 13 2006 09:15:00

Gina Pell is easily San Francisco's most glamorous Internet executive. As CEO and founder of Splendora -- an online shopping and lifestyle guide to San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles -- she's the ultimate resource for finding a perfect hostess gift or distinctive home accessory.

CNNMoney: 3 rules of home-office deductionsupdated: Tue Feb 07 2006 09:11:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Tax experts always say you should take all the deductions to which you're entitled if you work at home.

CNNMoney: A primer for aspiring oenophilesupdated: Fri Dec 16 2005 14:39:00

"You simply can't build a $20 million mansion that doesn't have a wine cellar!" declares Jeff Smith, a wine consultant based in Beverly Hills. He's not joking: One client who recently retained his services is in AA but wanted a lavish cellar to impress guests.

CNNMoney: Surviving the holiday partyupdated: Mon Dec 12 2005 10:35:00

Are you nervous about your upcoming company holiday party? Not sure if you should go? What to wear? Afraid of the boss?

Fortune: Happy Holidays -- and You're Fired!updated: Mon Nov 28 2005 16:25:00

U.S. companies send out more pink slips in the fourth quarter than at any other time of year. Here's how managers can soften the blow. Plus, how to keep office parties from getting too rowdy.

CNNMoney: The houseguests are coming!updated: Mon Nov 21 2005 16:52:00

Spending time with your friends and family is essential to the holiday season. You're sharing your thoughts, your memories and laughter.

Business 2.0: How to Order Wine Like a Proupdated: Sat Oct 01 2005 00:01:00

You're at a nice restaurant in a strange city with a group of important clients. The waiter circles around and decides to hand you, of all people, the wine list. While you can fake it at the the tw...

CNNMoney: My new best friend...for $150/hourupdated: Mon Sep 26 2005 11:54:00

For those of you, like me, who have not only let your closet go, but some other areas of your life as well, I know some people who can help.

CNNMoney: How to afford parenthood after 40updated: Mon Jul 18 2005 14:35:00

Q. You're a couple in your late forties. Which of the following are you most likely to brag to friends about at your next dinner party?

CNNMoney: Cutting the bridal budgetupdated: Fri Jun 03 2005 14:38:00

These days a walk down the aisle can lead you to destination bankruptcy. From the invitations to the flowers to the food to the band to the honeymoon, the average wedding costs about $27,000 according to Richard Markel, President of the Association for Wedding Professionals International.

Money Magazine: Is There A Sommelier In The House?updated: Fri Apr 01 2005 00:01:00

Unless you know a lot about grapes, trips to the local wine shop can be unsatisfying: lots of bottles you don't recognize, a few you do, and confusing price ranges. Having a sommelier at your side-...

The Terri Schiavo passionupdated: Thu Mar 24 2005 18:44:00

When the case of Terri Schiavo came to Washington in what appears to be the last stages of that poor woman's life, it evoked passion contrasting with the usual political play-acting in the nation's capital.

Review: 'Melinda and Melinda' hit and missupdated: Fri Mar 18 2005 11:49:00

As is the case with many longtime Woody Allen fans, I approach his annual film with a combination of high hopes and a heavy heart. His movies in recent years -- to put it mildly -- have been wildly uneven.

Seven hints for work holiday partiesupdated: Thu Dec 23 2004 11:15:00

It's that time of year when many workplaces have been holding holiday parties. While these events are a chance to put aside the everyday pressures of work and have a little fun, they certainly are not the time to whoop it up and dance on the desks.

Flavors for the holidaysupdated: Mon Dec 13 2004 16:16:00

As the holiday season approaches and party planning begins, the season's new cookbooks provide a variety of delectable bites that will make your family gatherings unforgettable.

'Barefoot Contessa' keeps it simpleupdated: Sun Dec 05 2004 17:55:00

In the 1970s, when Ina Garten was working for the White House Office of Management and Budget, little did she know that a career in food was waiting for her.

Business 2.0: The Big Cheese Of Online Grocers Joe Fedele's inventory-turning ideas may make FreshDirect the first big updated: Thu Jan 01 2004 00:01:00

My dinner party began at 6:30 p.m. with shrimp cocktail and mushroom pizza triangles. Next came the grilled prime rib and seared peppered tuna with sautéed haricots verts and salted vine-ripened to...

FSB: Let Them Eat Nachos Combine an English pub with a sports bar, and what do you get? A fast-growing new chain.updated: Tue Jul 01 2003 00:01:00

TOTAL ENTERTAIN. No. 9

FSB: The Fresh Prince Of Software A second home in Hawaii, friendships with Colin Powell and Deepak Chopra, holiday updated: Sat Mar 01 2003 00:01:00

Buy a ticket to the Tibet House benefit concert at New York's Carnegie Hall, and you'll find Marc Benioff next to David Bowie and Uma Thurman. Attend a lecture by the Dalai Lama and there's Benioff...

FSB: Happy Holidays But for once, lose the office party.updated: Sat Dec 01 2001 00:01:00

Want my single best piece of advice for throwing an office holiday party? Don't do it. My editors don't know I'm sneaking the Grinch into this column, but the curmudgeonly approach bears serious co...

FSB: The Perfect Business Lunch Muzzle your cell phone and go easy on the vino.updated: Sun Jul 01 2001 00:01:00

Let's not pretend that knowing how many tines are in a fish fork (three) and how many are in a luncheon fork (four) is really important. Let's not declare your business lunch a failure if you drag ...

Fortune: The Tyranny Of The Cocktail Partyupdated: Mon Jan 22 2001 00:01:00

There's a splashy cocktail party Saturday evening, and all your important clients will be there. You can't make it (sorry, prior engagement), so you ask that smart guy down the hall who works for y...

FSB: That's Entertainment Graduating from beer cans to cocktailsupdated: Mon May 01 2000 00:01:00

Like most Americans, I'm always interested in passing myself off as a higher-class person than I actually am. Recently, my girlfriend and I moved from New York City--where all our friends pretty mu...

Fortune: BUBBLY IN BIG BOTTLESupdated: Mon Oct 27 1997 00:01:00

Next time you throw a party, wow 'em with a Nebuchadnezzar. Named after a Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzars are the biggest bottles of champagne money can buy. Standing just over 2 1/2-feet tall, Ne...

Money Magazine: SAVE 25% ON YOUR NUPTIALS--AS I (ALMOST) DIDupdated: Sun Jun 01 1997 00:01:00

THIS MONTH:

Money Magazine: DO IT NOW Celebrate Thanksgiving by helping the needy updated: Tue Nov 01 1994 00:01:00

If you want Thanksgiving to mean more this year than pumpkin pie and football games, try helping those who are less fortunate than you are. Thousands of charities need people to donate, prepare, de...

Fortune: COMPANIES TO WATCHupdated: Mon May 08 1989 00:01:00

STANHOME Formerly Stanley Home Products, this company has long peddled cosmetics, household cleaners, mops, and brooms Tupperware-style through the Famous Stanley Hostess Party Plan. But with the p...

Fortune: Into the Desert with Kenny Rogers, Software for Sitting, Graybeards Aloft, and Other Matters. Dinner for 12updated: Mon Mar 03 1986 00:01:00

Curious, is it not, how those personal computer magazines are chockablock with ads for tax programs at this time of year, as though you need a diskette to communicate with the revenuers, and meanwh...

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