7 Ingredients for a Killer Party

Bright, garish lighting should only happen at bar mitzvahs and family reunions. For swanky dinners, candlelight makes a room sparkle. For a more raucous crowd, lamps with colored lights and a dim overhead light makes the room feel groovier. My secret is to buy $10 lamps from Ikea and scatter them around the room or to place Lightcubes (lighticecubes.com) to give the room some color.

The big mistake a lot of people make is inviting EVERYONE to the party. For a less formal, whoever-may-come function, let news of the party spread virally by inviting the movers and shakers. While everyone is invited, people will think the party will be even more awesome if they think the guest list is tight. (This does not mean set up a velvet rope which, for the record, I hate.

If you can't spring for a DJ (and why should you have to?) set up your iPod in advance with different playlists, including the pre party music, dance music when things get rocking, and exit music to tell your guests its time to go. For a party with dancing, the music should be loud enough that people have to talk louder than normal to hear each other. Loud = good.

A huge open room with tons of people facing each other was awkward even in junior high. Give the space more intimacy by crowding groups of chairs together or creating lounge-like nooks that still face the party. Small groups of people can chat away while still feeling like a part of the festivities.

The biggest expense at any party should be the liquor. How many times have you been to a party that ended when the booze stopped flowing? Make the bulk of the alcohol available at the beginning of festivities, but save a couple bottles that can be opened during the course of the night. Most importantly, have a variety of drinks available. Not everyone wants to take a swig from the bottle of Jager.

Whether your party starts at 7 p.m. or 1 a.m., always have something for your guests to nosh on. Food is a great conversation starter and gives those nervous partygoers something to keep them occupied. But make sure to keep it classy. One of the worst parties I attended featured Ritz crackers, eggrolls and mini burritos as the food du jour. These would be fine if not mixed together. If this sounds like your last soiree, next time skip the Ritz and grab some classier crackers and top them like a mini meal: pepperoni and mozzarella on some or spinach and cheese on others, whatever floats your boat.

Not only should you walk around to make sure all your guests are having fun, but introduce people who haven't met to one another. Every one likes meeting new people, and who knows? You may pull a Chuck Woolery and make a love connection.