Consider a timescale/one month for invitations

Allow enough time to fit in everything with your busy life

Consider your budget

Think about who could help/partner/friend

Consider your space available/hiring/using a venue away from home

8 is a perfect number for atmosphere/ more if you are confident. Avoid a crush

Consider your cooking skills

Consider the mix of potential guest list/compatibility/sex balance/interests

Keep numbers/sexes  even if possible

Consider a theme for the party/evening. Food/dress/entertainment Ideas

Plan for a relaxed atmosphere

Select music suitable to the theme in advance

Stick to food that you have tried before. Don’t experiment at your party

Consider hiring plates/glassware/unusual trays/

Consider hiring in help at the bar/in the kitchen/waiting on guests and at table Hire stuff

Think about guest parking

Ensure guests will be able to find you/maps/plans/special directions Plan

Plan for bad weather/guests arriving wet/ carpet coverings/ wet coat storage

Issue invitations by phone if possible, or e-mail

At time of call ask about special diets/allergies/dislikes/religious sensitivities on diet

Specify dress code/theme/timings/

Specify things you would like/not like brought/wine/food e.g. a course

If written invitation specify dress code/special instructions.

Define RSVP date & method (phone is best) very clearly

Consider schedule for:

Sending out/phoning the invitations

Hiring/booking outside services

Cleaning the house

Decorating the room/venue

Shopping for food/drinks/flowers

Laying the table/creating centrepiece

Cooking food in advance/baking/freezing

Cooking required before the day of the party

For bigger parties consider:

Disposable cameras for guests to use

Hiring an entertainer, e.g. a conjuror Ideas

Party games Ideas

Arranging a dancing area if space allows