With this being a party heavy weekend (whether you love it, or hate it, there’s no getting away from the super bowl this weekend.), I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you 3 of my favorite tips for throwing a party for all to enjoy.

1) Plan Ahead

My best tip would be to take the time to plan ahead.  Get an idea of how many people will be in attendance,  plan for food and beverages accordingly (Note: It’s customary to plan for 1.5 alcoholic and 2 non-alcoholic drinks per guest) and don’t forget to finalize your playlist.  Be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare all of the details well before your guests arrive.  I find that planning ahead allows me to complete the tasks needed in order for me to relax and enjoy myself.

2) Make Things Easy With Stations

If you’re planning on having a large gathering with plenty of food, make things a bit easier by creating stations.  Hors d’oeuvres on one table, veggies and beverages on another with the main attraction where you’d like for people to gather.  This creates an easy flowing atmosphere, allowing people to freely reach for items when desired without crowding in one area.

3) Keep It Simple

It’s easy to go over board when planning a party by creating elaborate themes, decor and signature drinks.  For everyday parties, I suggest keeping things simple.  Your guests may not remember your signature drink, but they will remember not having a moment to chat with their stressed out host.