Consider the big picture. If your party is at night, make sure your entrance is well marked with proper lighting. Greet your guests at the door and get them acquainted with the essentials right away, such as where they can hang their coats and get refreshments. Keep snacks on hand for the hungry. Chips and salsa or a platter of gourmet cheese, fruit, and crackers will keep people happy until the main course is served.  Only take on what you can handle. If cooking is not your forte, opt for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres instead. Finger foods are best when seating is at a premium. Make things easier on everyone with easy-to-eat fare. If time is not on your side, go with a caterer or order takeout. A filling dish like a hearty soup or macaroni and cheese can be a real crowd pleaser that is simple to serve. Healthy sides, such as a large salad or veggie tray, are always a plus.  If children are welcome, include some kid-friendly foods that require little or no preparation. Ordering a pizza is a treat for them and for the host. For dessert, a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar is a safe bet for all ages.  A buffet lightens up the mood and your workload. For large crowds, move the table away from the wall whenever possible. This frees up both sides for better traffic flow. Maximize your surface space with tiered trays, which will help to elevate smaller items such as appetizers and desserts. Edible centerpieces are practical and unexpected. In lieu of flowers, go with a big jar of jelly beans (don’t forget the scooper) or a colorful bowl of kid’s candy for the children’s table.  Nothing holds up the buffet line like a shortage of serving spoons. Make sure you have more than enough to dish out the food. Short on serving pieces? Mix things up for a casual look. White works with everything.

It can be used to help tie a mixture of patterns together. Place extra provisions such as napkins, water, and utensils in the main rooms so that guests don’t have to return to the buffet if they forget something.  Although music and candles can alter the atmosphere, think of your audience. Loud music can be worse than no music at all. More often than not, background music is best. Candles are a lovely addition if you don’t have little ones running around. For child-friendly gatherings, go with battery-operated candles for the best of both worlds.  Do your decorating the day before the party. Whether you choose an elaborate scheme or something rather basic, getting the finishing touches done in advance will save time in the long run. Keep a running checklist of everything you’ll need for the day of the event. Garbage cans and recycling bins in plain view? Check. Beverages on ice? Check. Paper towels for the inevitable party spills? Check. And so on.  The beauty of entertaining really is in the details. Going the extra mile for your guests will not go unnoticed. Whether it’s some extra seating or a soothing soundtrack, people can tell when you’ve made the effort to make them feel right at home.  On the big day, just go with the flow. Some guests want to help out while others would rather hang out. A group of friends might gather to play games while the rest of the crowd is content with small talk. Too much structure can spoil the spontaneity. Let it go. And don’t sweat the small stuff. The best way to ensure that everyone has a good time is for the host to do the same. When something goes awry, take it in stride as a lesson learned for the next time around. By then, you’ll be a pro. Written by Jeanine Matlow.

Becoming a consummate host doesn’t happen overnight. Luckily, a little observation goes a long way. Take note of what the pros know when you go to restaurants, weddings, and more. You might learn just as much from what goes off without a hitch as you do from what goes awry.

What the Pros Know            Do a trial run with family members (like a residential rehearsal dinner). Practice makes perfect. Are there enough chairs? How is the traffic flow? Don’t leave guests guessing. Include lots of information in your invitation. Are children and other guests welcome? Should people bring a dish to pass? Is there a dress code? Whether you have the budget for a professional bartender or just enough cash to hire your children to do the dishes, extra hands make everything easier on you. The temperature in a room can make or break a get-together. Keep in mind that your house can heat up faster with a crowd. It’s OK to crack a window, even in the dead of winter. Clear out as much clutter as possible to free up surface space for food and beverages and extra floor space for your guests to move about with ease. Stock up on cocktail napkins with funny sayings. They make great icebreakers. Keep it casual. An informal environment allows everyone to relax, even the host.