Entertaining Made Easy: 10 Ways to Throw a Successful Party

Give Your Guests Something To Do

Most people like to play an active role at a party. You can harness this impulse to your advantage. "I like to put a group of my friends together; I call them my hospitality team," says Bryan Rafanelli, an event planner in Boston. "I give them each someone to meet, to take care of. The bigger the party, the bigger the hospitality team." Shier friends might like to pour drinks or clear plates.