1. Plan ahead.
   Organize everything ahead of time as much as you can so you will be free to enjoy your guests and have fun at your own party. A “To Do” list is indispensable. Start your list as soon as you decide to entertain. Think through everything from the party style to your guest list to your menu. Then, order the tasks as they need to happen. Always allow more time than your whole plan could possibly require. That way, if any step takes longer than expected, you'll have leeway.
   
   
2. Make a manageable menu.
   Plan a menu that will need the least possible attention after your guests arrive. Check the limits of your refrigerator, freezer, and stove capacity. If you plan a party that requires multiple uses of the stove and you have only one oven, it's not going to work. If you have only one refrigerator, beware of trying to cram in your salad, vegetables, and dessert all at once. It’s a matter of juggling and balancing your space.
   
   
3. Cook in advance.
   Select items that can hold well in the oven, in the refrigerator, or on the table. Don't concentrate on impressing guests with individual dishes and overlook the enjoyment of the party as a whole. Do as much as you can before the party day so you'll be relaxed and with your guests, not in the kitchen.
   
   
4. Practice.
   If you’ve planned to make a new recipe for your party, try it out first to avoid any surprises. At least a day ahead, do a dress rehearsal of the table and seating arrangements you plan to use. Label each serving piece and place it on the serving table for fit. If you’ll use items at different points during the party, organize them in the refrigerator or preparation area in the order you’ll need them.
   
   
5. Don't blow the budget.
   Fancy food is not the key to a successful party, it's hospitality, presentation, and attention to a few details. Planning ahead often results in saving money, because you will have time to look for sales on items you want to serve. You’ll enjoy your party more when it is designed within your means, even if it's just a good bowl of nuts, cheese, and fruit.
   
   
6. Use what you have.
   Personal expression is the primary guideline for today's table settings. Tableware needn't match and centerpieces don't have to be flowers. Let your imagination soar and use what’s on hand. Traditional rules for using matched china, crystal, and silver no longer apply.
   
   
7. Work out traffic patterns.
   Consider all seating and walking patterns. Try out every chair you expect a guest to sit on and walk every path you expect a guest to take. If guests must sit on the floor, try out the floor space yourself. For larger parties, spread refreshments around to keep people moving around. Place food in different rooms of the house and drinks in possibly two locations, at opposite ends of the house.
   
   
8. Decide in advance what to wear.
   It's best to let your guests know the event style, so they may dress accordingly. Prevent surprises by telling your guests on the invitation if it's casual, informal, black-tie, or to bring their swimsuits. Know what you’re going to wear and discuss and coordinate your outfit with that of your partner or spouse (and children) so you won't look like the odd couple (See May Tip for an image).
   
   
9. Brief your helpers.
   Whether your partner helps or you are hiring some helpers, be sure to go over your plan together. Make a written to-do list for all duties and tasks, including a timetable so everyone will know what is expected. Have extra help arrive an hour ahead of guests to direct them and have them walk the entire space to familiarize themselves with all they will need to do their work well. They can't guess where extra plates are stored. Again, your to-do list is key to success.
   
   
10. Avoid being rushed.
    Don't let haste be your enemy. Haste can tire, irritate, and generally lead to an unpleasant party. If you find yourself rushing when you start to serve, slow down and count to ten. Despite all your advanced work, sometimes a party simply takes on a life of its own. Only you know everything you planned for the party. If something doesn’t happen exactly as planned, you may just want to smile and enjoy the event as it unfolds.

To view our past Etiquette Tips of the Month, please choose a topic below:

• Party Tips Episode III: Prevention is Worth a Pound of Faux Pas
  (Current Issue: July 2005)
• Beach Etiquette (June 2005)
• Flower Etiquette (May 2005)
• Umbrella Etiquette (April 2005)
• Spring Cleaning: Your Actions and Behaviors (March 2005)
• Dos and Taboos at a Chinese Dining Table (February 2005)
• Try My "ABW" Approach to Year-round Gift-giving (January 2005)
• Gift-Giving and Receiving (December 2004)
• Thanksgiving: A Perfect Time for Thank-You Notes (November 2004)
• Cultural Awareness: Celebrating National Days (October 2004)
• Thinking Rightly: Ethics and Etiquette (September 2004)
• Shared Printer Courtesy (August 2004)
• Is it Marketing or Spam? (June 2004)
• What to Wear? (May 2004)
• Letter Writing Etiquette (April 2004)
• Etiquette on the Road: Manners for Pedestrians & Drivers (March 2004)
• Workplace Etiquette (February 2004)
• Ten Ways to Celebrate the New Year - Chinese Style (January 2004)
• Being a Perfect Party Guest (December 2003)
• Be the Perfect Guest at a Family-Style Meal (November 2003)
• Party Invitations (October 2003)
• Theatre Goers Beware! (September 2003)
• Being a Proper House Guest (August 2003)
• Proper Introductions (July 2003)
• The Lost Art of RSVP! (June 2003)
• Toasting Practices for all occasions (May 2003)
• Bathroom Etiquette (April 2003)
• Shaking Hands: A critical factor in giving a good first impression...or not? (March 2003)
• Telephone Etiquette (February 2003)