* Set a start and an end time on the invitation that way you’re guaranteed the party won’t go on all night and be too much to handle.

* Make a list of everything you’ll need to buy: food, beverages, disposables, flowers?

* Make a list of everything that needs to get done: straightening up the house, figuring out what bowls/platters you’ll need, where you’re setting up the food/bar, placing the food out,  repleneshing the food as it gets eaten, setting up the coffee urn/pot, bussing the trash, cleaning up afterwards.

* Assign responsibilities. Have everyone bring a favorite finger food,   hors d’oeuvre or dessert.  You can ask everyone whose last name starts with A-P to bring hors d’ovures and Q-Z people to bring sweets to make it easier.

* Don’t just delegate the food. If someone is too challenged to cook or bake, ask them to supply other necessities like disposable plates, utensils, napkins, etc.

*Hire wait staff, kitchen help and a bartender to allow you to relax once the party day comes.  You’ve done you’re pre-party work–now it’s time to have fun! 

Being organized helps you relax.  If you’re relaxed, you AND your guests will have a better time.