Is it party time at your place? To throw the best bash ever, we’ve got a rundown of the freshest decorations, outfits and eats of the season.

• Fresh party menus

  Macaroons are the new cupcake – offer these sweet morsels at Winter garden parties or as dinner-party dessert. They melt in the mouth, come in beautiful colours and amazing flavours, and look stylish on the plate. Order at your local patisserie.
  Homemade lemonade for grown-ups – serve old-fashioned pitchers of icy lemonade. It’s a retro tipple that’s easy to make, and for an adult spin, turn it into limoncello by adding vodka. Refreshing!
  Hire a chef – if you’re celebrating a special b’day, consider inviting fewer guests so you can splurge on a sit-down, catered-and-waitered dinner party for a select group. You do nothing (except have fun!) – just like a restaurant, but with no closing time.

• Fresh party decorations

  Paper lanterns – inexpensive and fun, you can hang individual paper lanterns in trees or string them together as a garland. If you’re having a get-together at the park, for example, define the party space by hanging lanterns in nearby trees. Or place tea lights inside lanterns for ambience at night time.
  Customised favours – why should kids have all the fun? Send guests home with a yummy treat. Embrace the ‘personalised’ trend and bake (or buy) cookies shaped in the first letter of your name or the age you just turned.
  Bright colour themes – keep the occasion so-now by choosing a strong colour theme that packs a punch. Think fuchsia, turquoise or red. Choose a single shade and stick to it (not a whole rainbow) so it looks stylish.

• Fresh party style

  Make a statement in neon – dress to fit your bright party theme with an outfit that pops! Be your confident best in a dress or top in bold, highlighter hues – citrusy orange, alluring aqua, punchy yellow or emerald green.
  Dress to the max – maxi dresses are still a key look this season, with maxi skirts becoming popular too. Choose one in neon brights, or go softer with jewel tones or florals.
  Glam faces – perfect the smoky eye/nude lip make-up look; or pay lip service with a sexy red pout and understated eyes. Don’t forget to get a mani and pedi, so you can clink your glass in style and show off polished tootsies in peep-toes.