Colin Cowie, International Arbiter of Style, Plays 'Host' to VIVmag Readers

NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Colin Cowie - the best-selling author and TV personality, widely known for throwing the most spectacular celebrations around the globe -- now can add "columnist" to his resume with today's launch of the November/December 2009 issue of VIVmag (vivmag.com/colincowie). The first digital-only luxury magazine for women unveils its annual "Giving Back" edition, in which the event-etiquette expert offers easy ways for gracious hosts to make their guests feel welcome. Additionally, Cowie is the newest member of the esteemed VIV Advisory Board where he joins Stefanie Graf and Sherry Lansing - among other leaders in their respective fields.

"I always have been an advocate of living a healthy and balanced life filled with passion -- without spending too much time or money -- which is a shared desire of VIVmag women," said Colin Cowie, master event planner and author of the upcoming book, Decadence without the Guilt. "With VIVmag, today's sophisticated and savvy woman can control her lifestyle -- now including where and how she reads -- in an entirely new, proactive and interactive way."

In the current story, sprinkled with beautiful "pop-up" imagery and instructional video of Cowie creating tablescapes, his interactive content entertains and informs. Revealing three main tips for helping ensure painless pampering of friends and family throughout the holiday season and beyond, Cowie offers the following advice:

           1.  Be a gracious host, pain-free
               -- Before the guests' arrival, dim the lights, turn on the
                   music and light scented candles.
               -- Be ready to offer guests a signature cocktail as they
                   arrive.
               -- If serving alcohol, it's always a welcome touch to provide
                   appetizers.

           2.  Decorate the table
               -- When it's time to sit down, make sure the table oozes
                   personality.
               -- If hosting a seated dinner, take a few moments to organize
                   the guests' places at the table.
               -- In planning the table's decor, work with the colors of the
                   season.

           3.  Time it perfectly, but enjoy the moment
               -- As the host, create and control the energy and flow; jot
                   down a timeline for the evening.
               -- If partying post-dinner, invite guests into another room
                   for drinks and turn up the music.
               -- Pair the meal with a selection of wines; it's easy to do
                   and a great way to learn about them.

"Especially during the hectic holiday season, our readers have come to rely on VIVmag and its annual 'Giving Back' issue to offer interactive insight and advice to inspire and motivate them," said Anne M. Russell, editor in chief, VIVmag. "As a world-renowned arbiter of style, Colin Cowie connects with our readers. He understands their desires for achieving the confidence that comes from engaging life at a higher level, while creating memorable yet hassle-free experiences for their loved ones."

The current issue of VIVmag is the first of six upcoming contributions from Cowie:

    -- January/February 2010    Renewal & Weight Loss: Cowie's Decadence
                                 without the Guilt

    -- March/April 2010         Travel & Earth month: travel tips for
                                 gracious journeys

    -- May/June 2010            Elegant picnics

    -- July/August 2010         Spa & Yoga: the take-home spa, including DIY
                                 Recipes

    -- September/October 2010   "Real People" issue: at home with Colin Cowie

For more of Cowie's tips -- such as the ones found in VIVmag -- his ninth book, Decadence without the Guilt, will be available this fall.

About VIVmag

VIVmag is a first: It's an exclusively digital, 100% interactive magazine that delivers reliable, accurate service journalism in fitness, wellness, fashion, beauty, awareness and nutrition. Its audience of savvy women is genuinely committed to leading healthy, balanced lives. VIVmag's interactive content entertains and informs, helping readers achieve the confidence that comes from engaging life at a higher level. From interactive exercise demonstrations to point-and-click purchasing power right from its pages, VIVmag has attracted a circulation of over 350,000 influential readers committed to discovering and embracing the future of magazines. To learn more about VIVmag, please visit www.VIVmag.com.

SOURCE VIVmag