Sean Gray calls himself a lifestylist, which exactly describes what he does for his clients. The enterprising young man has taken the gift of great taste, fueled it with a wealth of knowledge on the art of gracious living, and created a novel career. His services range from interior design and home organization to entertaining and event planning, but usually he's called upon to provide a combination of everything.

"Entertaining and lifestyle design is about enhancing the quality of life. It's more about the efficiency of your space, and then the styling. I do it simultaneously, so it not only functions but looks great and feels great, too," he says.

That's especially true for the dinner parties Mr. Gray is often asked to orchestrate. His goal is to make the host feel like a guest, and it begins with a meeting. Once he ascertains the client's needs and desires, he gets down to business. From planning the menu, bringing in a chef, a bartender or caterers to creating the ambience, renting linens and dishes, arranging the flowers, buying the alcohol and groceries and lighting each candle moments before the guests arrive, Mr. Gray handles every aspect of entertaining. And when the party is over, he is there to see that order is restored and the leftovers are put away.

A graduate of Shady Side Academy and the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Gray grew up in Squirrel Hill going to some of the best parties in town. He landed his first job with Jack Weiner's JBW Entertainment helping to create an "energetic atmosphere" at bar mitzvahs and other affairs. He also continued to go to great bashes and cites Bob Sendall, Nancy Byrnes and Tim Condron, for whom he worked, among his influences. About a year ago Mr. Gray decided to launch Sean Gray International to create parties that are "simple, classic and gorgeous."

So what are the essentials of gracious entertaining, say, if friends drop by unexpectedly?

"Have two bottles of your favorite Chardonnay in your refrigerator (and one on hand in case you need to quickly chill a third), six ready-to-use wine glasses, a full container of mixed nuts and a nice dish, three varieties of cheese and crackers, a cheese plate and cheese knives, 12 cocktail napkins (crisp white or a neutral color linen with a hemstitch are nice for every day, and paper is fine with a design that represents your style), a dozen unscented ivory candles (my favorite are from Pottery Barn), with a lighter always on hand, and a CD of music that can be played on a moment's notice. That is all you need for an impromptu gathering. Any more than six, gather your things and head to a restaurant!"

And a few other tips: Use your good silver and china. Line your walkways with votives. Rose wine is all the rage, although you might try a specialty bar with a margarita machine, martinis or some other favorite cocktail. Sit-down dinners have become more intimate with up to eight guests. And Mr. Gray's words to live by: "If the host is relaxed and having a good time, the guests are bound to have a good time as well."

Information: seangrayinternational.com.