Everyone loves a party but if you're the host how do you make sure that everything is going according to plan and everyone's having a great time without running yourself ragged all night long.

Whether it's a raucous Christmas party, an activity filled child's birthday party, a "This is your Life" style Ruby Wedding Anniversary party, or a quiet dinner party for your closest friends, your role as the host can much easier by doing a little planning and preparation in advance.

1. Pick a theme for your party. You already know what event you are celebrating so choose your decorations, menu and activities around that.
2. Send out the invitations. This can be done verbally; calling each guest individually for that personal touch, formally through the post or via a round robin email to all the guests. Ideally, guests should be invited at least 2 weeks before the party giving them time to clear their calendar, make travel arrangements or arrange babysitters.
3. Create the proper atmosphere. Parties should be fun. If you're hosting the party at home, look carefully at your surroundings. Put away ornaments that may get broken. Add party decorations like banners or balloons to make the room more festive. Make sure you have allowed enough seats for your guests. Decide on the appropriate music and be sure to put it on before your guests arrive.
4. Work out a rough program for your party. Allow enough time for guests to arrive before the main event i.e. serving the meal or showing a film. For example, if your party centres around a televised sports event, plan for guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts so everyone can get settled with drinks and refreshments before "kick-off". If you are hosting a sit-down meal, allow enough time for late-comers to arrive before you need to serve.
5. Plan your menu and shop a few days ahead of time. Dishes that can be prepared days or weeks in advance will save you much-needed time on the day of the party. Try to avoid dishes that will take you away from your guests more than absolutely necessary. Ideally everything should be ready to put on serving dishes and take to the table. Remember your guests have come to see you so try to spend as much time as possible with them.
6. Don't forget the drinks.  You may have decided on a luscious red rioja or a crisp white chardonnay but don't forget that many people these days can't drink, either because they are the nominated driver or because of health issues or existing medication.  Plan to have plenty of soft drinks available.
7. Don't try to do it all yourself. Enlist the help of your partner or a friend to act as barman and/or coat usher. If this is not possible, have an area where everyone can put their coats and an open bar where everyone can help themselves.
8. Double-check the details  The night before the party do a quick walkthrough, starting at your front door, as if you were a guest, and proceeding through your home. Make sure there is an area for coats, extra soap and clean hand towels in the bathroom. Count your serving plates and glasses to make sure there are enough.
9. Dress early for the party to prevent any last minute rush. Some guests may arrive early and you'll need to be ready to greet them. If you are still working in the kitchen it may be wise to wear an apron to protect your party dress from any food spillages.
10. Greet all your guests in person, if possible, and welcome them to your home. Ideally introduce them to someone friendly before dashing off to greet the next visitor.
11. Smile and focus on having fun, if you're relaxed you will put your guests at ease.

A great party takes on a life of its own; all you can do is set the stage, anticipate the needs of your guests, and let them get on with having a good time

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