We asked event planner Danute Miskinis and frequent charity-event chair Mary Ellen Cody to tell us what makes a party hot now:

Uniqueness: Pick an offbeat spot, like brunch on a rooftop, or throw a newcomers' party to which each guest brings someone who moved to town recently. - Miskinis

Themes: A must, even if it's gimmicky. Such as the Dominicans Raising of the Green at St. Patrick's Day and the annual '50s party thrown by Youth Opportunities Unlimited founders Rick and Cynthia Muhlhauser. - Cody

Fun: Add a touch of whimsy. The Taft Museum of Art's annual Garden Party showcases elaborately themed table settings. The Under Construction table during the Taft's renovation served food out of toy dump trucks and wheelbarrows. A Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Film Commission party features tables and costumes themed to favorite films. - Miskinis and Cody

Dressing down: At the Muhlhausers' party women wear poodle skirts and men wear T-shirts with cigarettes rolled into the sleeve. They don't all have to be black-tie. - Cody

Unexpected: It never hurts to surprise guests. The May Festival threw a beach party in November that required tropical wear. The Cincinnati Opera's Big Party specified big hair and big jewels. - Cody and Miskinis

Jim Knippenberg