Party Planning 101

Whether you're planning a big event or a cozy get-together, the basic steps are still the same. It's up to you to decide how simple or elaborate the details get.

The bottom line? A great party takes on a life of its own. All you can do is set the stage, anticipate the needs of your guests, and let everyone get on with having a good time.

• Are you serving casual finger food, potluck, or a multi-course feast?
• Cater to your guests: vegetarian, low-fat or sugar-free options, tolerance for spices, food sensitivities, and the willingness or reluctance to try new food should all be considered. Ask ahead of time if there are food issues you should know about.
• Offer a variety of choices but go with what you know. Now is not the time to spring untried dishes on innocent bystanders
• No bartender? Arrange for a friend to handle the drinks. Note: it's usually faster and easier to make a pitcher of cocktails instead of mixing individual drinks.

• Communication. Send invitations two weeks ahead of time (or four weeks ahead for major holidays). Let the style and wording set the tone. Include the date, start and end times, location, appropriate attire, RSVP info or stamped return envelope (for a formal party). The more details you give, the better. Include a map.
• Logistics. If it's a big to-do, do you need to rent a party tent, tables and chairs, a sound system, cups, plates, utensils, coffee urns, chafing dishes, or other party hardware? Can you hire help? Can you enlist a couple of friends? Also think about parking, bathrooms, and where to throw the coats. And what about your pets? Does your 80-pound dog like to leap on guests? Is anyone allergic to your cat?
• Decorations. Your budget will be your guide here, but there's nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Try fruit and flower centerpieces, fabric or decorative paper on a buffet table, tea lights along window sills or in jelly jars hung from branches in your garden.
• Entertainment. Choose your tunes ahead of time and make a party mix. Games are optional, but decide when you want them to happen. Do you break out the volleyball before, during, or after the barbeque? If kids are coming, keep them entertained. Hire a couple of babysitters if needed so the adults can relax.
  
  See our complete collection of Entertaining advice.

If you're relaxed, you put your guests at ease.

• Prep dishes ahead of time to avoid a last second kitchen crunch.
• Give yourself time to shower and change before the party.
• Start the music before the doorbell rings so you can greet the first comers without sprinting off to press "play."
• Lavish attention on guests as they arrive, set them up with drinks, introduce them to someone friendly, and move on to the next new people. This encourages mixing and mingling. At some point, play mix master again.