Party Host Commandments
Be cheerful and pleasant at all times.
Even if someone has just knocked over a candle and the tablecloth is on fire. It's your job to suffer fools gladly (and always have a fire extinguisher close at hand).
Greet guests at the door.
Take their coats and offer them a drink. After that, don't wait on them but rather give a gentle nudge to send them in the right direction.
Keep circulating.
Avoid deep or lengthy conversations; move around and make sure that everyone is engaged and happy. Introduce everybody to each other. You're what they have in common, after all, so it's up to you to provide the link.
Keep the food and drinks coming.
When the cheese station is looking a little picked over, freshen it; keep the ice buckets full; wash some extra glasses if you're getting low; pass hors d'oeuvres when they're hot out of the oven.
Mind the music, and don't let it stop.
Lack of background music can be a real buzz kill. During the first few hours, play discs that won't overwhelm conversation; as the party gets hotter, turn up the volume a bit and switch to danceable tunes.
Have at least one planned activity.
This can be as simple as a toast to someone's birthday or as complicated as a full-gang game of Sardines. In any case, it's important to have something for the entire group to get involved in.
Stay alert.
It's okay to have a celebratory cocktail or two, but it's up to you to be the most sober person at the party. Remember, you are the resident sobriety detector, who needs to stay focused in case a candle gets knocked over and catches the tablecloth on fire.
Deal discreetly with the inebriated.
When a guest goes overboard, take him or her aside and simple ask, "Are you driving?" If not, find out who that person's ride is and make sure the driver's in good shape. If the soused person thinks he or she can drive, you have three options: 1) Offer coffee, seltzer, and food, and wait 30 minutes. Sometimes this will bring the person right back to earth and clear their judgment regarding motor vehicle operation. 2) Find a ride for your guest. This is less obvious – and less embarrassing – than calling a cab. Arrange to have the guest's car delivered the next day. 3) Say, "I would feel better if you lay down for 20 minutes." Settle the person in the guest room and expect an overnight stay.
When inviting children.
Be sure to plan ahead for these guests as well. Offer them kid-friendly party foods, a table of their own, and favors and games that promote non-messy fun.
