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I love to go to parties thrown by someone who really knows how to entertain.

For me the crucial elements are:

· A friendly welcome

· An inviting space

· Delicious, well presented and plentiful food

· A variety of refreshment options

· An interesting array of guests

· A host who mingles and makes sure things are okay but doesn't look anxious

And for bonus points, one or two things to make things memorable or interesting are good - not necessarily formal or involved, but there to gather people in.

I went to a lovely shindig at The Falls this evening. I'm traditionally a Friday sloth - lately I like to have a drink and go home after the working week is over, so a drive to Henderson seemed a big deal. I should say right now that the journey was quicker than expected and there were no traffic problems at all - we even arrived five minutes before the appointed hour.

Full credit to Alan and the team at The Falls - their location is over 150 years old and is a beautiful building. The staff were great, the food was A-MAZING and they gave us all a gathering that was both classy and relaxed.

They also rescued my favourite jacket (from a little boutique in Sydney you know) that I inadvertently left behind - they didn't kidnap it so that I'd be a return visitor - and they didn't need to, I plan to lure all my West Auckland friends there for coffees and brunches as soon as I can.

I see from the website http://www.thefalls.co.nz that Alan is ex London's Ivy Restaurant, which is pretty impressive. I know this is an unashamed plug, but I like to plug great things - and just look at the photo of the food (thanks Glenn Edley) and you'll agree with me.

Goodnight from a contentedly full foodie in the making!

This was posted on the October 16, 2009 at http://josiecampbell.posterous.com/