Stress-Free Party Planning

• Suitcase - a narrow box-shaped bag, usually made of cloth or vinyl that more or less keeps its shape, has a handle at one end and is used mainly for transporting clothes and other possessions during trips.
• Summer colonies - historic communities are considered quiet vacation bastions of old money, though some, such as the Hamptons, are also well-known for their celebrity-driven social scenes.
• Baggage - synonymous with luggage.

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and harassed at the thought of having to organize a party or special dinner.

We spend hours trying to make everything perfect, preparing the most elaborate dishes, struggling over fiddly, expensive decorations, spending more money than we can afford to impress our guests...

And then the outcome is we are too tired, stressed and worried about things going wrong to actually enjoy the event and the company of our friends, relatives and colleagues.

Wouldn't you like to be that host or hostess at a party who seems to sail through everything effortlessly, remains calm, never looks stressed, and always provides wonderful food, good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere?

In "101 Best Party Recipes," Edith M Barber says one of the keys to a successful party is that the hosts enjoy the event. This makes a lot of sense; after all, if your guests sense you are feeling hassled their enjoyment will be lessened.

Here are just a few simple rules to ensure your party is a success without the stress:

- plan your event well in advance

- attempt only what can be carried out successfully and with apparent ease

- be realistic about your skills

- ensure that your time at the party is not occupied by long spells in the kitchen

- never be afraid to ask for help - use the skills of those around you

- keep notes

- always look for the easy way to achieve something

- above all, keep things simple!

Follow these guidelines and you will be well on your way to becoming a successful party host.

Lisa Hartwell is a writer, broadcaster and voiceover. She is the publisher of "101 Best Party Recipes" (http://www.bestpartyrecipes.com) and webmaster at "Ultimate House and Home" (http://www.ultimate-house-and-home.com)