PARTY IDEAS Party on. Figuring out what's best for the type of fete you're throwing largely depends on the occasion. But these ideas from Ink & Paige can apply to most types of casual festivities. For more party tips and party ideas, check out the Ink & Paige blog at inkandpaige.blogspot.com A good rule of thumb for mailing out invitations? Three to four weeks in advance. (It's always smart to spread the word to guests ahead of time, of course.) When in doubt, decorate with chic (and affordable) paper lanterns. Their simple, cheery nature make them appropriate for most occasions. Purchase them in varying sizes in your party's colors, then experiment: bunch them together as a creative "chandelier," or hang them in streamlined rows. Flowers are almost always a must--but if you're low on time, simply pick up blooms of the same color at your local grocer and pack them tightly together in favorite vases. It's an easy trick that looks stylish (and expensive).    Always have easy-to-prepare finger foods at the ready in your freezer and extra cheese in the fridge. You never know when unexpected guests may show up!  If your soiree includes wine, remember the rule of 10: Take white wines out of the refrigerator ten minutes before serving, and place red wine in for ten minutes before serving. A little garnish goes a long way! Whether it's a simple slice of orange on the side of a glass of mimosa or peppermint sticks acting as "stirrers" for hot chocolate, adding extras to the food and drinks you serve make a delicious impression.  Play background music loud enough to be heard, but soft enough so people can talk without having to scream.  For an easy thanks-for-coming gift, enlist a friend to help you quickly create small take-home bouquets made of the flowers you used as decor. It's a lovely reminder of your event, and it helps reduce cleanup time after guests have departed.