No matter what kind of party you're giving, advance planning is the most important thing. Make a checklist of all the things that need to be done, and follow it.

How much food do you need for your party? You certainly don't want your guests to go away hungry, but you don't want to eat leftovers for a week, either.

Formal dinner parties have been on the wane for many years, and the age-old question of 'Which fork goes where?' seldom applies. Most parties today are informal, buffet-style affairs, but the appearance of your table is still of prime importance.