OK, so I might be useless at stuff like taking the rubbish out but if you want a good shindig plan, I’m your woman. I’ve had enough practice, after all…

Venue

The most important decision. It should look great, make a statement and be a talking point in its own right, but also has be the perfect size and have the right logistics for what you are planning. Go for exclusive or different but not somewhere that just happened to have a celeb the week before.

People

Whether it’s family and friends, or models and bankers you have to have the right mix of guys and girls and personalities to make a party buzz. Adding a few eccentrics or beauties to spice things up won’t go amiss.

Good service

There is nothing worse than slow drinks service. Make sure there is a big enough bar and enough staff or plentiful, attentive waiter/waitress service.

Booze!

Sophisticated and intricate cocktails can be impressive for intimate gatherings but they are slow and pre made aren’t the same, so make sure you have plenty of champagne on ice or other quick drinks.

Music

Shouldn’t be overlooked as it sets the tone and the ambiance. Decide what you want but also the volume you want at different points in the evening to make sure you have conversation, then a buzz and then party central.

Food

Unless it’s a sit down dinner keep it simple and bite sized. You certainly want to avoid large messy, potentially embarrassing canapés (especially if you’re speaking to a really hot guy). Food is important to soak up alcohol early evening and to stop people leaving to refuel elsewhere.

Transport

How are people going to get to and from your event? Are they chauffeur driven, tube travelling or pedestrian? The best venue in the world looks less appealing if it’s in the middle of nowhere and can’t get a taxi home.

Entertainment

An act or performance may only entertain for a few minutes (in fact too long can suck the life out of a party) but it provides a talking point for strangers and new acquaintances to chat about all evening and can often break the ice.

Staff

Apart from quick and efficient, staff should also be friendly, welcoming and fun. Stupidly attractive is a plus of course, but if anyone is unhelpful, boring or just plain rude it’s a no-goer.

The host

Your public awaits so don’t disappoint by being cliquey with the same group. Mingle like a maniac and meet everyone you can but don’t forget to have fun too. Fun is contagious and you set the tone!

* Tips (with a bit of Calypso customising) were supplied by the fabulous Tim Badham, founder of the fabulous Innerplace. www.innerplace.co.uk