3 Easy Ways to Entertain With Style

In Beaty's Dining Room

"I like to mix styles," says Beaty. "There's only one thing in my dining room that's really worth anything -- the sconces. My husband bought them for our anniversary at one of my favorite places in New Orleans, Ann Koerner Antiques on Magazine Street. I like their contrast with the less formal lattice mirror."

The centerpiece is a group of six potted orchids bought at a home improvement store and and placed in a large silver bowl. At the end of the evening, there is a plant for each guest to take home.