10 Accessories Every Host(ess) Should Have

(Cafe Drake newbie Karin enjoys the after-after party, courtesy of our accessories.)

Besides the obvious requisites of good food, good lighting, festive tablesetting and appropriate soundtrack, there exist additional accoutrements to a successful dinner party, and not just for the Invited, but also for those Hosting. We've compiled a list of essentials that always help to make an evening at Cafe Drake special, not only for our guests but for ourselves as well. After all, A Happy Host is a Good Host.

1. A Great Book, at least half-read, to spur conversation should any unfortunate lapses occur. Best suited for such occasions are novels bursting with witty quotes (we're partial currently to British wits Iris Murdoch or David Lodge, as everyone will be familiar with even the obscurest Oscar Wilde-isms), and even better are witty novels with profound philosophical concerns to really set tongues wagging.
2. Stellar Bath Salts, as every host should indulge in the pampered soak an hour prior to guests arriving. Sabon products are today's favorites; the orange/ginger-scented variety leaves one fresh and energized for the night ahead.
3. The Pre-Arrival Drink - Social guidebooks from the 1930s onward to Oprah recommend a sip before friends show up, and we've found the advice invaluable. If, like Cafe Drake, you're prone to serving Martinis, Manhattans or Negronis et. al. during the cocktail hour, refrain from such virile libations until you've got a full house. It's perfectly acceptable to be a wee bit toasted by the first seated course, but you really shouldn't open the door on anything stronger than a glass of Cabernet.
4. The "Rabbit" is the king among wine-openers, and will save you valuable minutes prior to serving the starter. With a lifetime guarantee, it should last till your last pour-out.
5. Potent mouthwash always saves embarrassment when greeting at the door, especially if you've been rightfully tasting your sauces (i.e. those with garlic) or, following Cafe Drake's lead, hitting the liquor whilst cooking. Failing a handy bottle of Listerene, a few springs of fresh parsley chomped at the first ring of the bell will freshen your mouth suitably.
6. Fine, clean linens on the bed, as there will inevitably be the (beloved) guest too soused at night's end to make it home.
7. Your Wine Notebook to record especially memorable bottles provided by discerning guests (you're never going to fish the empties out of the recycling bin during tomorrow's hangover).
8. House slippers: in case of rainy weather, you don't want mud and leaves tracked across the rugs, and you're not about to ask guests to remove their shoes and dine in socks (unless of course you're serving Japanese or a cuisine from Muslim locales). Semi-chic plaid pairs can be purchased for a buck from your local 99 Cent Store.
9. An extra pack of cigarettes, on hand for the inevitable "non-smoker" who inhales half a pack when confronted with superb cocktails and victuals.
10. Aspirins/Tranquilizers - the overly indulgent or excited guest should always have an exit remedy.