27 JULY 2002, Page 60

Q. Last time I gave a drinks party in our

garden, the grass was soggy after rain and all the glamorous women had to stand on the strip of York stone paving immediately outside the house for fear of sinking into the ground in their kitten heels. This led to an unequal distribution of talents around the party. What should I do if we have the same sogginess for our next party?

Name and address withheld A. Why not take a tip from a leading hostess in Holland Park, who ordered her caterers to bring an extra supply of circular tin drinks trays. Issuing two trays to each kitten-heeled guest, she enabled them to work the party by using the trays as stepping stones, without suffering any ungainly diminution of their normal posture.