Party Like a Pro: Our 60 Fave Entertaining Ideas

Hosting doesn't have to be stressful. You *can* throw a party that you'll enjoy just as much as your guests. The key is careful planning: Make a list of what you really need to do — but don't plan to do it all yourself (purchase readymade items or ask friends to bring a dish) and pre-make or pre-decorate or pre-clean any areas you can. So, when party time rolls around — just set-up and celebrate. Keep reading to brush up on our best entertaining tips and tricks before your next party.

To save time mixing drinks on the fly, whip up a big batch of one signature cocktail before guests arrive. A few recipes to try: Tipsy Strawberry + Honeysuckle Slush, Tropical Pineapple Agua Fresca, Boozy Berry Patch Lemonade or Grapefruit Gin and Tonic. Welcome guests with a drink upon arrival, then invite them to help themselves to refills with a large punchbowl or pitchers filled with your signature concoction.

Ensure that all your guests enjoy the party by also offering non-alcoholic options. Our strawberry shrub recipe, below, can be modified to be a mocktail — just leave the alcohol out and let guests add it (or not) themselves.

An inflatable baby pool is just the right size to keep a variety of juice boxes and sodas iced down and handy so your littlest guests can help themselves.