Hosts should try to keep it "light".

• Position: Entertaining - Planning gatherings - Brief article

Reflective light may be the hot theme this holiday season. As light is a common thread in many faiths, it suits all guests and existing holiday decor. A tough economy does not mean you cannot glare it up. Here are some tips from Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno, authors of Plan to Party, to add that special sparkle to your celebration.

Dress up existing holiday decor. Introduce several inexpensive basics: candles, glass vases, and gold accents. Candlelight en masse is an inexpensive way to make your home and table radiant. Collect glass cylinder vases, floating candles, and gold embellishments you already have to decorate easily and inexpensively. Gold is the perfect embellishment to existing holiday decorations--it complements all holiday color schemes. This simple combination will make everything shine, including your guests.

Infuse festivity into your party by featuring a signature cocktail. Your guests do not have to know how much time, money, and effort you saved by sewing this drink in...