Throwing a good party requires organization skills. Here's what you need to consider.
Checklist
Before throwing any party, make sure you have a checklist of things that need to be done, or chances are that at the last minute you will realize you haven't provided for something and will start panicking. The day before the party go through the checklist and purchase any item that needs to be purchased. You don't want to be running to the stores at the last minute. Go through the checklist the night before the party to make sure you have everything, and if anything is missing, you have enough time to arrange for it the next day.
Table linen
Make sure the table is laid before the guests arrive. If you are throwing a large party with more guests than your table can seat, lay the table the night before. If you don't have napkins that match with your mats, you could simply purchase pretty paper napkins. Place the plates outside in a pile with napkins under each plate, and with spoons, forks and knives (if required) in a spoon holder or simply placed beside the plates. Keep glasses for water together on a tray, along with a jug. You could fill the jug with water later, and add ice, if required.
Once you have the water glasses sorted out, ensure you have enough glasses for everyone's drinks before the main course. Depending on what drinks you are serving, you should ideally have the proper glass. Ideally, invest in wine, beer, whiskey and water glasses. Soft drinks can be served in regular water glasses.
Drinks
You could give the responsibility of organising drinks to your spouse so he can nip across to the nearby alcohol store and purchase whatever may be required. If you have a limited supply of alcohol, instead of asking your guests, "What would you like to drink," ask "Could I get you some juice, Thums Up, Limca, beer, red wine or whiskey?" Your guests could then select from the options, and you will be spared the embarrassment of having to tell them that you're just out of white wine or Diet Coke. In any case, remember to stock up after a party. This mostly means just investing in one large soft drink bottle, a couple of diet cokes, a bottle of any alcohol you may have run out of and club soda.
Towels
Make sure the bathroom that your guests will be using is clean, and keep enough fresh hand towels that they can use. Place quite a few little towels in a small basket and keep it besides the sink. You could have a laundry basket next to it, so guests can throw towels into the laundry basket after using them.
Cutlery and Crockery
Make sure you have enough cutlery and crockery beforehand so you don't need to keep washing spoons or forks through the party and can concentrate on other aspects.
Children
Let children all be in a room together, and organize a movie or a few board games so they can play together and keep busy.
