How to host an awesome party

If there's one thing I take pride in, it's in Josh's and my ability to host a pretty darn fun party. How do we do it? A few simple bits of preparation and some simple hosting techniques during the event can make all the difference.

PREPARATION

• Invitations: Invite people at least a few weeks in advance. Schedules can fill up quickly! Let people know what (if anything) they can/should bring.
  
  
• Food: If you're having people over, be sure to have something to eat. If people are over for more than a few hours, have a meal planned for them.
  
  Plan out a menu at least a few days ahead of time, so you have time to shop and do some advance prep. It doesn't have to all be homemade, but I recommend having all the food in the house in advance when possible (as opposed to ordering pizza during the party and having to wait God-knows-how-long for delivery when people are hungry).
  
  If you're doing a potluck, make sure you've covered the main dishes and a couple of sides, then ask others to bring additional sides, beverages and desserts. That way, it people flake out, you still have enough to cover people.
  
  The most important thing to remember is to have as much prepared in advance of the party as possible. You don't want to be scrambling and dealing with food when you should be having fun with your guests!
• Drinks: Have a couple of sodas, a few staple liquors, as well as some beer and wine, on hand and easily accessible. People usually don't mind contributing drinks, so don't overbuy in the beer/wine department if you've asked people to bring drinks.
• Cleaning: This should go without saying, but make sure your place is tidy before people come over. It makes them feel welcome and comfortable, and shows respect. It doesn't have to pass the white-glove test, but it should be uncluttered.

DURING THE PARTY

• Welcome: Welcome people at the door. Take their coats, or at least show them where to put them. Offer them a drink and show them where the food is, and let them help themselves to their next drink.
• Checking in: Every hour or so, ask folks if you can get them anything - another drink, something to eat, etc. Again, it makes people feel welcome and comfortable.
• Planned activities: Keep things moving, and make sure there's a variety of stuff to do. I usually like to have an area designated for group video games (i.e. Guitar Hero) and an area for board/card games that are easy to learn (i.e. Apples to Apples). This helps people get to know each other and makes conversation easier.
• Circulate: Talk to everyone at the party individually for at least a few minutes. Don't stay in the same cluster the whole time.
• Thank people: As people leave, help them find their coats and thank them for coming.

What are your top party-hosting tips?