Photo by Ben Fink. " width="200" height="300" border="0" align="top">

* Have all your food ready no later than the morning of the party
* Have servers hired to help you or make sure you know you have friends coming that will help you
* Get linens ready beforehand. Get them ironed and cleaned
* Plan menu with your guests in mind. Make sure you have a well rounded assortment of dishes
* Have serving platters, dishes and flatware all ready before guests arrive
* Use dishwasher safe china as often as you can. Leave the handwashable stuff for very special occasions
* Have music selected, volume set for the speakers and room air conditioned before guests arrive
* Overhead lighting can be harsh, use table lamps and candle as much as you can, remember, good lighting can make a huge difference
* Prepare list of all items you will need for the bar. Get it all ready before bartender arrives
* Have all your menu items transfered into oven proof dishes. This will make it easy to keep food warm without you having to keep an eye for burning stuff. Transfer as and when you are ready to eat
* As the last of your guests are getting close to finishing their meal, excuse yourself discretely and get dessert service started
* Ensure that all your guests are introduced to one another, all get the same attention from you and that you make sure to seat people with those they have never met before, couples should not be seated side by side
* Remember good food, comfortable setting, complementary lighting and suitable background music make for the success of your party. Many of us forget music, it takes away the noisy quality that can easily happen when many people are chatting at the same time. Music should be at higher volume while people are eating, it is then that they need it most. Incense free candles are best. Center pieces on tables should be selected for their adding to the setting, not to hide any of it. Their size is not important as much as what you use.
* Any stress you have, your angst and your nervousness should all be left behind as your first guest arrives, remember people can sense any sense of fatigue on those they know. It kills a party to be entertained by one that seems taxed. Your chipper energy will make everyone loosen up and enjoy.

 

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Photo, top, by Ben Fink.