I'm in this for the ice cream.

I'm having a party tomorrow night. I absolutely love throwing parties. What's better than throwing everyone you like in a room together? Nothing. That's what.

I thought it would be appropriate for me to share my personal rules for throwing parties. If anyone has one to add, leave a comment!

These are my rules:
1. Avoid overhead lighting.
2. Music should be in the genre of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra; classy, upbeat, and making everyone feel at home. Not too loud.
3. At least one friend should be scheduled to arrive fifteen minutes early. I call this the "buffer" friend, who'll occupy any early arrivals if you're still doing finishing touches and keep the conversation going if someone you don't know that well arrives first.
4. Don't invite people for "political" reasons. Just don't. You don't have to like everybody.
5. There should be a start time, but also a scheduled event of some kind to unite the whole party once things start rolling. I always use Scattergories, but I'm a geek like that.
6. Spend money on food. Have a small door charge if you have to, but make sure there is nice and fun food. By "fun", I mean use your sense of humor; use memories from your childhood.
7. Avoid being the center of attention. Yes, you're the only person who knows everyone, but let them get to know each other on their own and don't make things about yourself; it's narcissistic and annoying.
8. Don't make booze a big deal or overobsess about making non-drinkers comfortable.
9. Answer the door, and take people's coats and bags when they arrive. Basic stuff.
10. If you have anything to hide, hide it well and let people snoop however and wherever they like.

That's all I can think of right now. There may be addendums.