Hitchcock Icy Blonde Dinner Party

[Dream Guest List: Eva Marie Saint, Grace Kelly, Tippi Hendren]

First, all guests must be platinum-haired and defiantly aloof. Since bubbly conversation and warm friendship obviously aren't on the menu, food and ambiance will be the focal points.

A simple table is best: navy flannel tablecloth, gray or tan linen placemats, white or ivory napkins. Flowers should be kept to neutral shades - pale yellow, cream or white. Roses or tulips are best, in a silver vase perhaps. Mercury glass would also be a nice touch. Candlelight is too soft; instead, light your table from below, with uplights strategically placed to lend severity to the guests' fierce countenances.

Cocktails are to be served upon arrival. Martinis of course. Cold trimmed radishes in Alvar Alto glass bowls might be placed around the room. Endive spears tipped with crab remoulade could be passed.

Oysters on the half shell, a half-dozen per guest, on individual plates of rock salt make a wonderful first course.

Follow this with a tiny scoop of lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Poached salmon with a sabayon sauce is the perfect entree. In the dead heat of summer the fish might be served cold, with a homemade mayonnaise and fresh dill.

Since the meal has been light, a creme brulee or floating island is an appropriate dessert, served with your finest champagne.

After dinner usher your guests into the cool living room for a chilled creme de menthe.