To avoid having a pile of glasses (and to keep post-party cleanup to a minimum), encourage guests to label their drinks. This also ensures everyone uses just one glass throughout the entire party. Try using wine charms, or personalize glasses by writing guests' names on drink stirrers.

Make This: Free Printable Drink Flags

You'll need a little lead time (these freeze in about 4 hours) but making dressed-up ice cubes couldn't be easier. Finely chop fruit, herbs or citrus zest, then cover with water and freeze. Add them to a serving pitcher with your drink of choice just before friends arrive.  

Sure, most of your friends will sip on a beer, wine or cocktails, but don't forget to have something special for your non-drinking buddies, too. An easy solution: Drop frozen fruit into a pitcher of water to cool it down and add flavor and color. Finish with citrus slices or fresh herbs, if you like. 

Storing your drinks in the fridge or in a plastic cooler is fine, but creating an open ice bucket in clear view of guests helps you avoid the inevitable "Where are the drinks? question. A galvanized tub or even a planter works well for an outdoor event. Inside, you can even use one side of your sink to chill drinks within view of partygoers.