To the ancient Greeks, pearls symbolized love and marriage. In our era, a string of pearls and a little black dress inspire the confidence to meet any festive eventuality. Expect a population of bepearled partygoers when you throw a party to celebrate your thirtieth anniversary.

Pearly hors d'oeuvres include baked oysters, caviar with creme fraiche on brioche toast, and lobster salad on Belgian endive. Tiny pearls sewn on each corner of a cocktail napkin form a cluster when it is folded.