I plan meals and write detailed lists. One for shopping, and one for "things to do" that includes a timeline.

But true stress-free party planning only requires one thing: perspective. don't take the party too seriously. The earth does not stop spinning becuase you forgot a casserole. just enjoy the company and let things flow out of the kitchen....

Quick, someone please move that cheese board!

I threw my big party this last Saturday; Halloween is my favorite day, so of course, it's my biggest party.

This was the lowest stress party I've ever done, even with making two elaborate costumes (both the time they took to make, and the fact that my living room and sewing room are the same room).

I planned my menu, planned my shopping list from it, and made EVERYTHING ahead of time, even the stuff that takes five minutes to put together. I used my crock pot and electric skillet to re-heat and to serve from so the food stayed warm and I didn't have to worry about anything burning, nor did I have any dishes to do before people showed up.

I set out my serving dishes the day before in their "proper" places; this let me see that they were clean, and meant that the table setting was basically done before the food was even hot.

I cleaned one room to perfection every night, and then on Saturday, I spot cleaned all of them. This one seriously was the biggest stress killer, I think.

I also walked through my house from the front door, through each room, and looked at it from the guests' point of view. Since I had games, I made sure that the games for the most players were in rooms with the most seating, and the one game that required a table was set up in my dining area (kitchen).

I think having the games, also, made for a more stress free evening. I invited a mix of old friends and new, and some knew eachother, and some didn't. The games gave everyone a structure with which to interact and get to know everyone. Also, my friends all seem to love the same games, so that helped. But it meant that I didn't need to worry about anybody being left out, or bored, or feeling isolated.

Any time I started to freak out, I set a timer for 15 minutes, and decorated a little bit. I like to decorate, so it was a nice break from whatever else I was doing, and it was also productive, which made me feel good about doing it, instead of berating myself for slacking off with so much else to be done.

And my biggest salvation: My sister came over on Saturday and helped do all those last minute tasks that I hadn't foreseen.

I think that if you make your home nice for yourself, it's easy to entertain without major effort.

That's why I like the Cure. It's about living well, not turning yourself inside out to make a good impression on "company."

Since "curing" my home, I routinely have impromptu get-togethers with friends who happen to be in my neighborhood. It's really made a difference in my social life.

i spent a good time of halloween juicing lemons, in my costume, crying about how everyone who was supposed to help me flaked out. But as soon as some very helpful people showed up and made it all better.

Deliriumsama, you have some good advice. Thorough cleaning of a room a day, then spot cleaning at the end sounds like a real stress-buster.

I didn't have a Halloween party, but I did make Day of the Dead cards (something of an underground Austin tradition). When the work got overwhelming, I stopped and worked on a simple paper leaf and twine garland for the fireplace mantle. (I got the idea for it from AT.)

Now I'm still pulling it together after the Day of the Dead extravaganza. That timer comes in handy. Set it for however long you think you can stand, work on the task, then take a break.

After a lot of family discussion, I am cooking Thanksgiving but serving it at my sister's. This frees me up to concentrate on the menu. (My apartment is about one third the space of her house.) She and her companion can worry about the cleaning.

These are great ideas. I would love to see some of the recipes served at the parties. Especially the ones that can successfully be prepared ahead of time!

I love the suggestion, "clean one room to perfection every night, and then on [the day of the party], spot clean all of them."

My fiance and I just moved and every night I tackle at least one thing. It helps me keep from feeling overwhelmed. I think this is a great strategy for any major home event, from packing to parties to open houses.

Getting ready a little bit at a time makes everything easier.

Sometimes all the planning in the world can't prepare you for unexpected things your guests might do.
I made dozens of fancy smoked salmon crackers and put tiny pieces of dill on each one to find an hour later somebody had eaten all of the salmon off of them and left the naked crackers.
My room mate and I shook our heads in wonder over that for months later. Now, it makes for a good laugh.

Keep things generally tidy, and play the rest by ear for dinner parties.

For bigger entertaining, plan ahead. Make copious lists. Pick recipes, stick to them, and do all the shopping at once. Make as many things ahead as possible. If you're running late, stop and fix yourself up first. No one cares if the food's a bit late, but it's no good if you're half-dressed when the first guests show.

And never underestimate the power of offering a drink as soon as people are inside.

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