Mitie Tucker’s to-do list

A few words from Mitie Tucker on entertaining:

Inspiration is everywhere: Working with designers has taught Tucker not to limit her imagination. “I don’t have one resource,” she says. “Events have been inspired by ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Irving Penn and even the outdoor seating at Cafe Stella in Silver Lake.”

Buy local blooms: Tucker’s latest turn-on is a selection of succulents. “These plants look natural and surprising at the same time,” says Tucker, who relies on floral designer Damon Pease for Fusion Design Group (6440 Santa Monica Blvd.; L.A.; [323] 871-9968) for events or the downtown flower market (754 Wall St.; [213] 622-1966). “They create a table that feels chic and comfortable.”

Get props: “Los Angeles has the best resources for interesting pieces because of the movie business,” says Tucker, who likes Omega Cinema Props (5857 Santa Monica Blvd.; [323] 466-8201) for period furniture and Jackson Shrub Supply (11505 Vanowen St.; North Hollywood; [818] 982-0100) for trees and large plants.

Music matters: For dinner parties, Tucker likes a background of the blues. “It’s mellow and sets the perfect mood,” she says. Right now, she’s playing Etta James, John Lee Hooker and Ted Hawkins. “Hawkins was discovered playing by the beach in Santa Monica.”

The takeaway: “The gift bag should probably die,” says Tucker, who feels the only handout at evening’s end should be something a guest will want to keep. At the Marc Jacobs store opening party, guests left with a Francine Prose novel, “A Changed Man.” “That was unexpected, which was great,” she says.

--

-- Monica Corcoran