Planning—and pulling off—a large formal or casual gathering may seem daunting. With these pointers you'll quickly earn the title "Host with the Most."

Budgeting Time
Setting a manageable schedule and sticking to it will allow you to enjoy the festivities with your guests when party day rolls around:

• Rent some fun: Check rental stores, online or in the phone book for unexpected ideas, from a singing telegram to an inflatable playground for a kids' backyard party.
• Take the guesswork out of food preparation by ordering party platters and desserts from your neighborhood Publix as well as preparing as many recipes as possible ahead of time.
• Use our party planner checklist to stay on track.

Choosing the Location
For a crowd-pleasing party site that's comfortable for everyone, consider the following:

• Base your site decision on the number of people you're expecting, the types of activities, the foods you'll serve (formal meal vs. finger foods), entertainment and intimacy level desired.
• Provide plenty of chairs and small tables to invite guests to mingle. Move larger pieces of furniture to an unused room in the house.
• Prepare for inclement weather at an outdoor event with a backup plan. Have an indoor location identified or a rented tent set up that can comfortably hold all of your guests.

Enlisting Help
Share the fun of party planning: From your sister's superb spring rolls to your neighbor's decorating expertise, everyone has something to offer.

• Depending on the size and complexity of the event, delegate tasks to your spouse, family or friends. For instance, ask a family member to help clear dishes or replenish drinks. Consider co-hosting the event with a close friend so you can both collaborate on the planning and preparations.
• Try a casual potluck, especially if this is your first time hosting a large event. Provide the main dishes and have guests bring their favorite sides and desserts or let your neighborhood Publix handle the food prep.

Feeding a Crowd
Fill your menu with a spread of food and beverages to ensure that no one walks away hungry:

• Plan for 50 percent more food than you think guests will eat. Whip up multiple batches of a specific recipe rather than trying to double or triple the ingredients in one recipe.
• Set up an organized buffet spread if you expect more than 10 people, but separate the beverage and dessert tables from the main buffet to avoid traffic jams.
• Follow this guide for appetizers:
  • 4 to 5 per guest if a meal will be served shortly after the party starts
  • 6 to 7 per guest if the meal doesn't immediately follow
  • 8 to 9 per guest—plus one hearty option—if appetizers will replace a formal meal
• Serve one easy-to-prepare drink such as punch rather than a variety of individual alcoholic drinks so you don't have to play bartender. Offer several nonalcoholic beverages. Check out our beverage guide to help determine how many beverages you'll need.
• Put out several garbage cans in logical places so guests aren't searching.