Deciding to host a party in your home might seem like a harmless thing to do, but you need to be prepared. Picking the guests, drinks, food and even music could have huge implications on how your house will pull through. If it's a few friends for drinks, a civilised soirée, or the shebang of the century, it could end in carnage. Red wine on cream sofas, Auntie Joan having one too many sherries and accidentally knocking over your Wedgwood china dish, the curtains going up in flames from that ambient candle-lighting. Here are a few hints and tips on how to host the perfect party.



1)Decide on your guest list

This all depends on the style of party you want. If it's a family affair, than it's probably best leaving your karaoke-loving mates off the list, but if you want to just have fun, keep Aunty Joan away. Or you could always have two shifts – the early shift for elderly relatives, who you know will go home to watch Coronation Street for 8pm, and a late shift for the friends who will rock up once the pub's shut.

2)Protect your worldly goods

Once you've decided on the guest list you can then take appropriate action in the home. It may sound extreme, but bubble wrapping breakable valuables and locking them away is wise when you have a conga-line making its way through your lounge.

3)Beverages

If it's a few close friends it could be fun to mix a few cocktails but it's safer and cheaper to stick to wine and beer. Always have a ‘bring a bottle' policy if you don't want to spend a small fortune on booze. And remember to provide for your non-drinking friends. They will need earplugs and blindfolds to protect them from the all-dancing, all-singing alcohol-fuelled hoo-ha that kicks off just as your neighbours decide to go to bed.

Have plenty of ice on hand so drinks are sufficiently chilled. If you have no room in your fridge, than the bath is an excellent alternative. An ice-filled bath is perfect for keeping bottles cold, and you can jazz it up with some floating candles.

5)Décor

If you want to ooze class for a Cocktail party than candle stick holders and silverware look great. Use your imagination – pick a theme – fancy dress, the 70s, cowboys and Indians, whatever rocks your boat. The 1980s are a great choice - put posters of 80s pop bands around your house, like Bros and A-ha, stick a Dallas DVD on in the background and dig out your vinyl, cheese and pineapple on a stick, add a pair of legwarmers and hey presto!

Keep it simple, pre-prepare and avoid anything heavy. But don't just put out a bowl of peanuts, it shows you haven't put any thought or effort in.

7)Music

Make sure you have an eclectic mix. It's good to start with something upbeat and if your living room is big enough for a dance than go for it! If you want to end at a reasonable hour, put on something mellower to help bring the party down to a natural close.

Remember, it doesn't matter how much you try and control your party, good parties are all about having fun! There's bound to be a few spillages, breakages and other mishaps. Just make sure your house insurance is up to scratch!