Getting started
One month ahead for a formal party; two weeks ahead for a casual gathering

	Decide on the date, place, and style or theme for the party.
	Make up the guest list.

Plan the menu.
For formal parties, mail invitations. For casual parties, mail invitations or telephone your guests to invite them. Decide what table settings, flower decorations, centerpieces, and music you'll use.

Make arrangements for any items you'll need to rent or borrow.

Preliminary preparations
One to two weeks ahead

	Telephone any guests who have not responded to your invitations so you can get a definite guest count.
	Perform preliminary housecleaning, especially time-consuming tasks. Make sure all appliances that you'll be using function properly. If you're grilling, don't forget to buy charcoal or fill the gas cylinder.
	Compile your grocery-shopping list. Check on items such as matches, flowers, candles, and liquor, and add the things you'll need to your shopping list. Don't forget to have/make ice.
	Check that table linens are clean and ready to go. Decide on tableware and serving pieces. Wash infrequently used pieces. If you're using disposable paper or plastic items, inventory what you have on hand and add the items you need to your shopping list.
	Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, or other ingredients you'll need.
	If you're making decorations or centerpieces yourself, now is the time to get started.
	If possible, make some foods ahead and freeze them.

Gearing up
Two to three days ahead

	Shop for everything but the most perishable items.
	After you return from shopping, recheck your recipes to make sure you have everything you need.
	Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, or other ingredients you'll need.
	Plan your timetable for cooking the foods.
	If possible, make non-perishable items, such as snack mixes, ahead.

Down to the nitty gritty
One day ahead

	Shop for perishable and last-minute items.
	Reclean the house as necessary.
	Decorate for the party. Prepare an area for coats and umbrellas.
	If possible, arrange and set your table(s), serving areas and gathering areas for people to sit and talk.
	Prepare as many recipes and ingredients as possible. For example, chop vegetables you'll cook as part of a recipe. Some chores, however, such as cleaning salad greens, should wait until the day of the party.
	Thaw frozen items. If the items are perishable, thaw them in the refrigerator.

Let's party!
Party day

	Go over the house again for a final cleaning check. If necessary, move furniture to make gathering spaces.
	Prepare the foods according to your timetable so everything will finish when needed. (Wash dishes as you go along to save clean-up time later. Don't forget to run the dishwasher, so it'll be empty and ready for party dishes.)
	Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time.

Last-minute details
One hour ahead

	Put all the finishing touches on the meal, tables and gathering areas.
	Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and provide an easily accessible place for garbage.
	Set out cheese and non-perishable appetizers or snacks, if you are serving those.

As the doorbell rings
Five to 15 minutes ahead

	Open wine, if serving. Set out remaining appetizers and snacks.
	Light candles and turn on music.