Perhaps a relative is arriving at your house that has been away far too long, an anniversary or other special date is upcoming, or a holiday nears that beckons for your annual tradition of "whooping it up".
Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, you have decided to organize and throw a party that you hope will be successful.
A successful party entails keeping your guests fully entertained, well served, and often results in them staying on, late into the evening.
A successful party demands a proper amount, but of course, not too detailed planning, in order to run smoothly, yet still keep its "coolness" and spontaneity.
Perhaps a good place to start would be your proposed menu; you can't have guests standing around hungry and thirsty of course (or in the case of a Super Bowl party, sitting on their duffs watching the pigskin move with empty tummies).
Have people come to expect the usual suspects at your parties? Are salty chips, cocktail wienies, and crackers often in attendance? Maybe it is time to mix it up a bit by serving something a little heartier such as your great Aunt Mattie's homemade, four alarm chili or Uncle Bertrand's killer, blue cheese steamed mussels.
Getting creative with the grub you offer can always help score points with the partygoers as well as serving the dual purpose of offsetting any alcoholic beverages you might choose to serve.
And moving to that subject, sporting events, such as the Super Bowl do demand some salty snacks and beer, so don't feel that those are out of the question.
Everyone appreciates a bucket of cold ones, or if feeling particularly flush (and thirsty) a pony keg or its bigger, more filling brother will suffice.
Provided the theme or occasion of the festivities, clues of what to serve may become extremely evident.
A Kentucky Derby party, for instance, cannot commence without the requisite mint julep in one hand and a plate of Kentucky Burgoo (pulled pork, chicken, beef, and veggies) in the other.
A southern themed party deserves its fair share of fried and well-appointed comfort food, salty snacks, and a certain charcoal-mellowed, sour mash whiskey should be on tap.
Whatever menu items you decide to serve, it is a great idea to keep your china cabinet locked up and purchase disposable dinnerware for use instead.
The options for party plates, napkins, and cups are many, and your local party store can supply you with specially themed products that cater to each specific occasion.
Ample party supplies are necessary accoutrements that can help your festive occasion to run more smoothly and become a memorable happening that leaves your guests begging for more, more, and more!