By Liza Weisstuch
GLOBE CORRESPONDENT
Each portobello is stuffed to the brim, the cheese puffs look like amber gemstones, the pesto is pureed to a silky consistency, and each carefully chosen wine is ready to meet its match in a designated course. It's no coincidence that "art" sits at the core of "party." The first guests are arriving and you're ready to enjoy their company.
Somehow, though, it rarely seems to work out that way. You forget to preheat the oven, the filo dough is a far cry from flaky, fingerprints mar the wine glasses.
The home entertaining season is upon us. Maybe this year you'd like to take a break from the juggling act of playing host and truly enjoy the party that you've put so much effort and energy into arranging.
Why not make the first gift of the season a gift to yourself? Add another guest to your invitation list: an expert who'll take over in the kitchen or bring a skill or demonstrate a specialty with your guests. This takes the stress off you as the host, who no longer has to worry about being unbelievably witty and clever, and boosts your ability to enjoy your own party.
Whether you're planning a grand-scale gala or an intimate gathering, there are instructors and connoisseurs who will come to your house and add a little more style, color, and flash to the event. Moreover, these are the best kinds of guests because one of their primary concerns is making sure that the host is having a blast.
Glam-a-rama
Who: Luiz Filho
What he does: Makeup and hair designer based at HC Studios in Brookline performs makeovers and offers beauty consultations and advice
You provide: Ample space with access to power outlets
Cost: $100/hour
Contact: Luiz Filho: 617-291-8327; luzcosmetics.com
What better way to make a party memorable than to make sure guests leave with something they can use to get ready for their next party? Luiz Filho, a hair and makeup designer specializing in bride and wedding party makeup, gussies up the hostess and her girlfriends as he boosts their beauty knowledge.
A native of Brazil, Filho has lithe, quick-moving fingers and a casual, chatty manner. He's been in the beauty business for 20 years, and has worked as an in-house makeup artist for Christian Dior. He also lectures at Elizabeth Grady, a skin-care school, and Blaine Beauty School, so when he arrives at your gathering with umbrella lights, high stools, mirrors, and his own line of products, and starts the demonstration, he smoothly narrates the application process. It's a tutorial of general tips in essentials, such as proper brush stroke directions and suggested amounts of eyeshadow. After a demo, he either gives everyone a makeover or simply consults with each gal to suggest personalized tips.
"The whole idea is really to get people comfortable with who they are," he says. "I like to put aside the whole mystique of makeup, that it's used for covering up. People have a misconception that makeup puts the beauty on you. I try to get them to understand that beauty lies on them and makeup brings it out. I try to give a sense of how much each person should use and what are the most important products."
This story ran on page H1 of the Boston Globe on 10/16/2003. © Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company