Plan your guest list ahead of time. Try to include an interesting cross-section of people who mix well with others.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Accept help from friends or family members to make sure you're ready, and not vacuuming, when your first guest arrives.
Make your guests feel special by sharing an interesting piece of information about each of them during introductions.
Send out invitations 2 to 4 weeks before your party so you have enough time to plan accordingly. Don't forget to include a map.
Create the perfect mood for your party by adding some background music. Remember to make sure that it's not too loud.
When you're a guest, remember to take a small gift for the host. Wrap up a batch of your special homemade cookies, candies or bread in a tin or box. Make sure to include your recipe so that your host can try it.
Try using cocktail napkins to serve finger foods. Or, if you're using plates and cutlery, be sure to have plenty as they tend to be abandoned before the second and third helpings.
Create different heights for serving dishes. Use cake plates with pedestals and place trays on inverted casserole dishes covered with colourful napkins.
Short on serving dishes? Make an eye-catching platter by using a mirror or a ceramic tile. You can even use your cutting board. Your guests will appreciate your creativity.
Offer 5 to 8 different types of hors d'oeuvres for a cocktail party. Count on serving 8 to 10 appetizers and 2 to 3 desserts per person.
Try to keep distractions to a minimum: hide the remote control, turn down the phone and keep your pets in a separate room.
Better Buffet Ideas
Host a larger number of people comfortably with a buffet. It sets the tone for a friendly, casual evening and gives you more opportunities to visit with your guests.
Roll flatware in large cloth napkins, tie with brightly coloured ribbons, and stack them in a large wicker basket for easy grabbing.
