Having a Holiday party, Birthday party, Anniversary Bash, Solstice or Millennium Party Celebration? Here are a few ideas to help make your party a smashing success!

• Plan ahead, it is the attention to detail that makes the difference. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your party. Make a list and shop smart! Things are hectic when party-time approaches, so stay organized.
  
  
• Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that balance each other. Try setting a theme for the food in each room or on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot snack per person.
  
  
• Don't serve drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture. Keep some carpet cleaner on hand, just in case.
  
  
• Written invites are a great idea. Try to make them fun and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like-hours. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end. Specify the hour in advance to avoid confusion. Let your guests know what would be the dress-code.
  
  
• If your guests are expected to bring their own booze, let them know in the invitation. If you are serving alcohol then, don't forget the ice. Use quality ice for the best tasting mixed drinks. Add fresh fruit to your shopping list. Limes, lemons and oranges should be sliced in advance. Remember, you are responsible for your guest's safety, so do not encourage excessive drinking.
  
  
• If your party is being held in a non-smoking household, then try to make accommodations for smokers. A room with a fan blowing out is a nice thought. If you do not have a place for smokers, let them know in advance that the party is held in a non-smoking household.
  
  
• Providing a guest book can be fun and help make the party memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your guests to sign-in as they arrive.
  
  
• Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your favorite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive.
  
  
• Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere. Try replacing some bulbs with colored lamps or low wattage bulbs. Strobe lights and black lamps can add to the fun.
  
  
• Music is an important element of most parties. If pre-recorded music is to be used, consider the musical preferences of your guests. Have a variety of music available. Keep the music upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results as music helps set mood.
  
  
• Try to make provisions for parking in advance and let your guests know of it. Ask your neighbours about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street.
  
  
• Consider removing all the chairs from the party area. This will create more room for people to mingle.
  
  
• Accidents are part of life so, never let an accident or spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just in case.
  
  
• It's always a good idea to bring a small gift to a p arty even if the host or hostess instructs you not to in the invitation. Bring along a bottle of wine, some flowers, or chocolates to show your appreciation.
  
  
• You can never have too much food at a party. Be sure to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening.
  
  
• If you (or one of your guests) are skilled at joke telling, try some tasteful jokes and invite your guests to participate. This exercise can often "break the ice" and get your guests sharing jokes and humorous stories.

Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy themselves. With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss! So, with the proper ingredients in the right place everyone should have a great time!

Tips on removing stains

• The best way to remove gum from cloth is to freeze the cloth and then peel off the gum

• To remove ink and ball-point pen stains, just soak cotton in eau-de-cologne and rub it on the stained area.
  
  
• To remove blood-stains, soak the cloth in cold water and then soak it in hydrogen peroxide solution.
  
  
• To remove oil stains, just clean the cloth with lemon juice dipped in salt
  
  
  
• To remove rust stains from cloth, rub lemon juice over the stain, cover it with white cloth and iron it.
  
  
• Cooking or edible oil stains can be removed by first putting talcum powder to absorb the oil. Then apply shampoo over the satin and wash it with hot water.