So you're throwing a party. Don't be careless about it; there is a lot to think about here (but don't let that spoil your fun!)

1: Attitude

You must have a fun attitude that will overcome all of the crap you might have to put up with. There will be messes to clean, unhappy party guests, and other hassles. But fun is worth working for. Expect the unexpected and be committed not to let anything bring you or your party down.

2: Location

First off you need a place for your party. Most people use their homes. I would recommend making sure your neighbors will be okay with it so they don't call the cops on your party.

You could also rent a party room somewhere. Not my favorite option unless your home is way too small (Or owned by your non-partying parents who never leave).

3: Damage control

If you're going to have booze at your party, place buckets or large empty bowls around the house in case people throw up. You don't want to have to clean it off the couch or carpet. Make sure there are ashtrays around for the smokers. And paper towels handy for people to clean their messes.

Keep in mind that stuff can get broken or stolen. Lock up or hide your valuables if you can. People may go into every room in your home so be prepared for it. You might consider putting up 'keep out' signs on certain rooms but that may not always work.

4: Invitations

Who you invite is very important. Invite a mixture of personalities that will complement each other. If you invite shy people, also invite confident people who will talk to the shy people. Be sure to invite FUN people. Singles stay longer for mingling than couples do so invite lots of singles. Also get input from your significant other about who he/ she wants to invite.

Give at least a week's notice (2 is better) when you invite people. Include FLAWLESS directions so people aren't sour when they arrive. Include a phone number, map, landmarks, and a heads-up on what to wear or bring.

You can save money by making your party a potluck, so on your invitations write something like 'please bring your favorite dish/ snack/ etc.' Also write 'bring your own alcoholic beverages' if appropriate.

5: Activities

It's good to have ice breakers and party games planned if there are going to be shy people there. Shy people have a hard time mingling and will appreciate activities that give them the 'permission' they need to interact. I recommend the Minling Cards Game (www.minglingcards.com), the Ultimate Mix-and-Mingle Party Game.

It may also be good to have certain fun things lying around for people to find and play with. For example, stacks of conversation cards. These are cards with fun, unusual, off-the-wall conversation topics written on them to help people interact better. A big list of such topics can be found at www.contopics.com .

It's good to have a theme for your party. A big favorite is the decade theme (50's, 70's, etc.) You could also have a theme based on a tv show or movie. Or something really original, like a 'celebration of wierdness' party.

6: Music and atmosphere

Music will help ease the awkward silence. Make sure you have party music. Start with something mellow, and when the party kicks up, switch to something more energetic. Then when it's winding down go back to something mellow. Be sure to play a varied assortment of music unless the theme of the party is a certain type of music.

If you are having a dance party, make sure there's a separate room for chilling out and mingling. Make sure there are plenty of places to sit.

7: Food and drinks

Make sure there's plenty of snacks, like chips, soda, etc. Also include some healthy stuff like fruit and veggies. If you want people to get drunk, have salty snacks around (salty stuff makes people thirsty). The most important thing is to never run out of the food. Having too much is better than not enough.

If it's a Bring-Your-Own-Booze party, have LOTS of ice ready. Make sure people have a choice of whether to drink alcohol or something else. Make sure no one is selling it. One more thing: hangover prevention pills.

8: The day before the party

Make a list of all the things you should do the day before. Fill up the ice trays. Buy stuff. Prepare some of the food. You COULD do it all the day of the party, but if you start running behind you'll get stressed out and you won't be able to enjoy your own party.

9: During the party

Unless you have a great icebreaker, you'll have to introduce people to each other. Be part of your party, don't get too caught up in cleaning every little mess that happens until it's over.

The most important thing :It's YOUR party. Make sure YOU have fun!