Get ready to party

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Dec, 2004

Charming and friendly guests are the key to a successful party, but it also is important that everything go smoothly. Making a checklist well in advance ensures every detail will be covered. If you are organized and ready to have a good time, your relaxed and festive mood will be infectious. To help bring off your next bash without a hitch, here are some suggestions from Clutter Control, a professional home-organizing service based in Lake Forest, III.

Theme: Celebrating an occasion? Intimate group or large gathering? Formal or casual? Your invitation should make it clear, so your guests will know what to expect.

Guest list: Be sure to include a few fresh faces--people who are interesting, but also interested in others.

Menu: Determine what you will serve in advance, with an itemized list. If you are using a caterer, be specific about what you want and how it should be prepared.

Beverages: Always have more wine, liquor, mixers, and nonalcoholic beverages than necessary. Leftovers will not spoil or go to waste.

Servers: You will require an experienced and reputable person or group--individuals who know when to refill drinks and clear away unfinished plates and glasses. Let them know your expectations.

Place settings: There may be some no-shows, but make certain to arrange enough plates, glasses, silverware, coffee cups, and other items to cover your entire guest list, and perhaps a few extra for last-minute guests.

Seating arrangements: Use round tables for better conversation flow and avoid a main table so no one feels slighted. Mix old friends with new. Place cards help people know where to sit.

Flowers: Order them a week in advance. Avoid high centerpieces that hide the guests across the table.

Bathrooms: They should be spotless, and well supplied with tissues and clean towels.

Coat racks: A convenient place to hang outerwear is always better than piling them up in a back bedroom.

Clothes: Your outfit should reflect what your invitation stated or implied. When you greet your guests, your attire should not make them feel over- or under-dressed.

Timing: Have everything ready a half-hour in advance. You will be more at ease, especially if someone arrives early.