Nine Tips for Throwing a Great Party
by Jesse Edwards

1: Attitude
You must have a fun attitude that will overcome all of the crap you might have to put up with. There will be messes to clean, unhappy party guests, and other hassles. But fun is worth working for. Expect the unexpected and be committed not to let anything bring you or your party down.

2: Location
First off you need a place for your party. Most people use their homes. I would recommend making sure your neighbors will be okay with it so they don't call the cops on your party.

You could also rent a party room somewhere. Not my favorite option unless your home is way too small (Or owned by your non-partying parents who never leave).

3: Damage control
If you're going to have booze at your party, place buckets or large empty bowls around the house in case people throw up. You don't want to have to clean it off the couch or carpet. Make sure there are ashtrays around for the smokers. And paper towels handy for people to clean their messes.

Keep in mind that stuff can get broken or stolen. Lock up or hide your valuables if you can. People may go into every room in your home so be prepared for it. You might consider putting up 'keep out' signs on certain rooms but that may not always work.

4: Invitations
Who you invite is very important. Invite a mixture of personalities that will complement each other. If you invite shy people, also invite confident people who will talk to the shy people. Be sure to invite FUN people. Singles stay longer for mingling than couples do so invite lots of singles. Also get input from your significant other about who he/ she wants to invite.

Give at least a week's notice (2 is better) when you invite people. Include FLAWLESS directions so people aren't sour when they arrive. Include a phone number, map, landmarks, and a heads-up on what to wear or bring.

You can save money by making your party a potluck, so on your invitations write something like 'please bring your favorite dish/ snack/ etc.' Also write 'bring your own alcoholic beverages' if appropriate.

5: Activities
It's good to have ice breakers and party games planned if there are going to be shy people there. Shy people have a hard time mingling and will appreciate activities that give them the 'permission' they need to interact. I recommend the Mingling Cards Game (www.minglingcards.com), the Ultimate Mix-and-Mingle Party Game.

It may also be good to have certain fun things lying around for people to find and play with. For example, stacks of conversation cards. These are cards with fun, unusual, off-the-wall conversation topics written on them to help people interact better. A big list of such topics can be found at www.contopics.com .

It's good to have a theme for your party. A big favorite is the decade theme (50's, 70's, etc.) You could also have a theme based on a TV show or movie. Or something really original, like a 'celebration of weirdness' party.

6: Music and atmosphere
Music will help ease the awkward silence. Make sure you have party music. Start with something mellow, and when the party kicks up, switch to something more energetic. Then when it's winding down go back to something mellow. Be sure to play a varied assortment of music unless the theme of the party is a certain type of music.

If you are having a dance party, make sure there's a separate room for chilling out and mingling. Make sure there are plenty of places to sit.

7: Food and drinks
Make sure there's plenty of snacks, like chips, soda, etc. Also include some healthy stuff like fruit and veggies. The most important thing is to never run out of the food. Having too much is better than not enough. If it's a Bring-Your-Own-Booze party, have LOTS of ice ready. Make sure people have a choice of whether to drink alcohol or something else.

8: The day before the party
Make a list of all the things you should do the day before. Fill up the ice trays. Buy stuff. Prepare some of the food. You COULD do it all the day of the party, but if you start running behind you'll get stressed out and you won't be able to enjoy your own party.

9: During the party
Unless you have a great icebreaker, you'll have to introduce people to each other. Be part of your party, don't get too caught up in cleaning every little mess that happens until it's over.

The most important thing   :It's YOUR party. Make sure YOU have fun!

About the Author
Jesse Edwards, author of 100 Highly Unusual Conversation Topics (www.contopics.comand creator of Mingling Cards, the Ultimate Mix-and-Mingle Party Game                                      (www.minglingcards.com). Copyright 2005 Jesse Edwards.

10 Top Tips
On Making Cocktails
by Derek Rogers

Cocktails are not only savoury to sip but
also look exciting and fun to drink. They
are perfect for celebrations as they tend to elicit a pleasurable response among drinkers. Fortunately, cocktails can be made at home like a professional.

TIP 1: Be ready with glasses
Cocktails will not look like one if you do not use the appropriate glass. Besides, cocktails are meant to be consumed when they are cold, so using large glasses will take time to finish and you will end up not really enjoying the taste. It is recommended to invest in cocktail glasses such as martini, margarita, and highball glasses.

TIP 2: Keep a collection of cocktail tools and supplies
Jazz up your bar with the basic barware; it is essential that you have the right measuring equipments to create a well-balanced drink. Opting for a jigger or a shot glass is good for measuring the necessary ounces. Also get a durable blender that is safe to use in the dishwasher and do not forget those famous cocktail shakers.

TIP 3: Get equipped with some cocktail recipes
Check out those cocktail books that feature the classic Sidecar and Manhattan. You can also step into the modern world by adding pureed vegetables into the drink instead of pureed fruit, but do not put in too much experimentation though as you might end up with a nasty tasting mix.

TIP 4: Use only the finest ingredients
Don't worry too much about looking for what you need to put in. Use fruits and vegetables that are in season and liquor that will complement its flavour. Having tomatoes or peaches in summer make fantastic cocktail ingredients.

TIP 5: The chilling process
As soon as you are equipped and ready, start by chilling those cocktail glasses. It can be as simple as putting the glass in the freezer for some hours or pouring in water with ice. Take them out only when you are ready to pour the mixed drink, this way the drink is kept smooth and cool for a longer time after it has been served.

TIP 6: Measuring your spirits
Always hold spirit bottles by the neck when pouring. There is nothing really special to this; it is just that by doing so, you are making it easier on yourself to put in exactly the accurate measure.

TIP 7: Adding the ice
Now that you have poured in all the ingredients, add some ice before you start shaking them. This should be fresh ice though so if you need to buy them then do so. Firm ice will prevent it from melting too quickly and will make a crisp cocktail drink.

TIP 8: Shake it well and shake it some more
This is probably the grooviest part in cocktail mixing. While you can practice all those impressive stunts, just make sure that you mix the drink well inside the shaker until the cold spreads throughout the shaker.

TIP 9: Dress it up!
Cocktail drinks will kind of look empty without some little garnishing. Ripe limes make the cocktail presentation come alive as well as complementing your mix. They can be cut into wedges, slices, and half-moons for that attractive garnish.

TIP 10: Taste it before you serve it
Take a small sip and see if you have done well, this way you can make sure that your guests will enjoy it as much as you.

About the Author