eremedies

Throwing the Perfect Party

You have 10 people coming over for dinner and have no idea how to plan? Don't worry.

* Make sure you have the right food and drinks. Ask in advance if anyone is vegetarian or has other special dietary needs. Find out who doesn't drink alcohol. If children are coming, you might need separate dishes for them.

* Plan an easy simple meal. Your feast doesn't have to be elaborate if you have several items. Prepare some in advance, or if you can, make it a potluck dinner!

* Make a single dessert or a specific cocktail. People who want something else can have a straight scoop of ice cream or a glass of something they prefer to drink.

* If you plan to have games, make sure they are ones everyone can play (not Scrabble when you have exactly 7 players, etc). Use popular board games (Taboo, Pictionary, Outburst, Boggle) or at-home games (Charades, the memory game), or make up your own.

* When sending out invitations, specify an end time. That way people won't linger forever (unless you prefer that). Also send reminders at least a day in advance.

* Make your dinner a buffet and plan games before food (otherwise guests tend to leave or be too full and sleepy!). As a gracious host, you can emcee the games and entertainment, and make sure to introduce everyone with some information or an anecdote.