Anne Lisbin, owner of Elegant Fare catering, lists her favorite party venues:

Dayton Art Institute: "A real gem and the event room has a glass ceiling." The Gothic Cloister Room is $2,500 for four hours for a seated dinner with dancing for up to 250. For a Saturday night, book 12 to 14 months ahead. For other evenings, book four to six months ahead. Call Chuck Barnett, (937) 223-5277, Ext. 262.

Taft Museum of Art, downtown: The gardens are a lovely backdrop for the intimate Luther Hall or tents can be set up there. Luther Hall is $750-$1,500 for up to 100 people. A tent for up to 200 people is $1,750-$2,500. Weddings for next summer and fall are being booked now. Call Kitty Paschall, (513) 684-4523, or Barbara Lenhardt, (513) 241-0343, Ext. 22

Drees Pavilion in Devou Park, Covington. "What a view of Cincinnati." Events on Friday, Saturday or Sunday are $1,500 for four hours, including table and chairs, linens, china, silver and one centerpiece per table for up to 350 people. Food, beverage and bar service (through Elegant Fare, McHale's Catering & Events or Jeff Thomas Catering) is extra. Saturdays in 2005 are booked; some Friday nights are open. They begin taking 2006 reservations mid-October. Call Scott Mescher or Sonia Lawson, (859) 431-2577.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: Downstairs, the Public Landing exhibit in the Cincinnati History Museum. "It's an exact replica of Cincinnati in the 1800s." Dates are available with at least two weeks notice, but December is booking up quickly. Dinner for 150 people is $500, plus $2.50 per person. Food and beverage, exclusively by Elegant Fare, is additional. Contact Jennifer Hillman, (513) 345-2654.

Marilyn Bauer