There are two types of parties people always remember: the really great ones and the really bad ones. Follow these dos and don'ts to ensure your next party is a smashing success!

Do make sure to include a variety of friends on your guest list. This will guarantee lively, interesting conversations.

Don't forget to introduce guests to each other if they have never met. Introductions are a great opportunity for your guests to mingle outside of their social box.

Do consider the space and type of party you are hosting. If you want people to mingle throughout the event make sure to set up drinks on one side of the room and food on another. This will keep people flowing throughout the event. If you are having a large dinner party with a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner, make sure there are enough places for people to sit while they eat or at least pub height tables where people can set their plates and glasses down. Even the best multi-tasker will find it difficult to eat, drink and converse while juggling a plate and a glass!

Don't worry if everything doesn't go as you planned. Things will go wrong. Unexpected situations will arise. That's okay! No one expects you to be perfect or your party for that matter. You did invite your friends, right? Just take a deep breath and relax. No one will know that you forgot to put the Brie you bought on the cheese platter.

Do remember that it's how you handle unexpected and potentially devastating party mishaps that matters. Let's say you managed to completely burn the mouth-watering filet you planned on serving as the pice de rsistance at your dinner party. Instead of panicking laugh it off. "Well, at least its not as bad as when I dropped the entire Thanksgiving turkey on the floor five years ago . . . " If you are able to laugh it off you can easily turn the situation around by telling a funny story about ruining food. Everyone will join in and share their cooking mishaps everyone has at least one that they are willing to admit! Your guests will be laughing so hard at everyone's stories that they will remember how much fun your party was! It's the company that makes a party great not the main course.

Don't forget you are the host or hostess. Be sure to mingle with everyone at your party. Each guest will feel included and ultimately this will help you make sure your party is a success.

Do remember to have fun! It's your party and you get to set the tone so make sure you are having fun! Your guests will follow suit.

Now that you know the dos and don'ts of ensuring your next party is a smashing success, you better start planning!

Learn more about this author, Kathleen O'Connell.
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