This post brought to you by Glad. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Tools 2 Tiaras.

I love to entertain and have parties, from small intimate dinners to a house full of people. I enjoy spending time with my guests rather than being a “server”. To make sure I’m able to do this I have 7 Tips For Hosting A Party So You Have Time With Guests. When you follow these tips it also makes it less stressful before, during, and after the gathering.

1. Lists are your friend! Creating complete lists will allow you to check everything off as you go and stay organized. Your guest list is a no-brainer, you should also have a menu list and a cleaning list. From these you will create your shopping and prep list.
   • Menu List- This should contain everything you will serve from appetizers to all your drinks and don’t forget condiments. Once this is complete, you now create a shopping list. You will include every ingredient that you will use. Example: If you’re serving shrimp cocktail, on your shopping list, you’ll write- shrimp, lemon, lettuce, ketchup, horseradish. Once your shopping list is complete, you’ll go through and mark what you have at home and what you need to buy. Don’t forget about any garnishes for foods or drinks.
   • Prep List- Look at your menu and decide what platters, bowls, or dishes you will be using. Add your serving utensils (spatula, large spoon, tongs, and so on) as well as side dishes or bowls for dips or condiments. Next check on paper goods. There are times when I use a heavy paper plate, plastic cups and silverware. Check toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, napkins, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil. Decide on what linens you’ll be using and if there are decorative towels you want in your bathroom or kitchen.
   • Cleaning list- I’m sure you’re thinking you know what you have to clean but if you create a list it will help you to stay on track and you won’t be rushing around the day of the party. Two days before you should do your heavily cleaning (floors, dusting, mirrors, refrigerator, etc) This is also the day you should be doing your shopping.
   • Cooking List- Write all the foods that need to be cooked or heated, at what temperature, and for how long. I tape this inside a cabinet that is right by the oven. This makes less thinking the day of the party. I also have all my pans and baking sheets ready. 
2. Party Prep The Day Before – The day before your party cook and prep as much food as you could. Do any last minute cleaning which should be very light since you cleaned the day before. Be sure to have extra hand towels and toilet paper in the bathroom. If you’ll be moving any furniture, tables, or chairs, this is when you should do it. Get out any linens for tables and have them ready to go. 
3. Self Service and Pre-made drinks – Set up a drink station. Have all your glasses ready according to what your serving. Instead of serving many different cocktails, have one specialty cocktail and try to mix a batch large enough so guests can serve themselves. If serving wine, have glasses and a wine opener ready. 
4. Apps and Buffet – Keep things simple and think about serving different appetizers and serve buffet style. Allowing guests to serve themselves leaves more time for you to mingle.
5. Party Prep Day Of Party- The day of the party get your table ready with linens and place your platters, bowls, and dishes where they will go on the table. Look at your menu list and write each dish on a piece of paper and put it on the platter. If food is already prepped on it’s serving dish and in the refrigerator, be sure to have it written and make a place for it on the table. You will be filling your kitchen garbage can quickly so you need to be prepared. We always used the outdoor black bags because the last thing I wanted was a busted bag and need to clean up during my party but there is now Glad KitchenPro trash bags available at Target. The Glad KitchenPro trash bags have double bag protection with 5 day odor control thanks to Febreze odor neutralization. Place a few bags at the bottom of your garbage can and then open one and place as you normally do. This saves time, when you  take the garbage bag out, you can simply reach down and pop open another bag! It’s all about saving time. 
6. Music – You can either create a playlist before hand or check your TV for a music channel. Remember to keep the volume low, you’re not a night club and you want your guests to be able to hear each other when talking.
7. Clean Up – There are always a few friends that want to help clean up. If they start helping, be thankful and accept it! You are probably ready to plop on the couch or head to bed but take the extra hour to wash the dishes or pack the dishwasher. If all you have to do the next day is put clean dishes away, you will be very happy. 

Enjoy your party and enjoy your guests! What other tips do you have?