(FeatureSource) - Having a successful dinner party doesn't have to throw you into a panic. Karen Brown, author of "The Dinner Party Cookbook" (Meadowbrook Press), offers the following suggestions for planning an easy, elegant party:

1. Serve red wine at a cool room temperature in large-bowled glasses. Uncork the bottle an hour or so before pouring, allowing it to oxidize, which will enhance the flavor.

2. Serve white and blush wines chilled-from the refrigerator or an ice bucket.

3. Never use scented candles or heavily fragrant flowers on a dinner table. Nothing should interfere with the aromas of the fabulous food you serve.

4. Use oil-based spreads or dipping sauces for bread, such as a tantalizing tomato-olive variation. This is a popular, and surprisingly simple, food trend.

5. A great way to get some simple chores done when you move into a new home is to host a "working" housewarming party. Ask your guests to come an hour early, ready to roll up their sleeves. Take Polaroids of them at work, then display the photos on your refrigerator as your "Friends' Hall of Fame."

6. Although caviar connotes elegance, it doesn't have to be a budget-breaker. It can make an evening seem truly special. The most expensive is beluga, but other less costly grades are delicious, too, such as the osetra or sevruga caviar varieties.

7. If you don't have the time or budget to implement extravagant table décor, you can't go wrong with flowers and candles.

8. Although large flower arrangements can be very decorative on a table, make sure that your guests can see past the flowers to chat with their across-the-table neighbors.

9. Remember to always offer a good sparkling water for the growing ranks of nondrinkers.

10. You won't go wrong with chocolate. It makes a wonderful garnish for any dessert.

11. Garnishing your serving platters and dinner plates with sprigs of parsley and watercress makes an ordinary plate look very elegant.