Hosting a dinner party is loads of fun, but planning and carrying off a successful evening can be a little stressful. Those feelings of stress can rock your ‘hostess with the most-ess’ confidence, and sometimes lead to chaos in the kitchen …

Got a party to plan this Summer? Our resident party planning experts have assembled a stellar list of brilliant tips for hosting a fabulous she-bang. Here are 20 party dos and don’ts all hosts should consider…

Don’t stress – here is a selection of dishes that are suitable to serve to all types of guests, from small fry to the in-laws, or even your partner’s boss! Check out these kid-friendly, sophisticated and casual meal plans.

When it comes to parties, doing it your self (D.I.Y), isn’t just a smart way to save money, it can also be very satisfying and with some planning and creativity – a lot of fun!

Do you have a signature cocktail? It’s always impressive when you’re out with friends to casually order a sexy-sounding cocktail with relative ease and style… Rather than devouring the often intimidating cocktail list next time you’re out and about, you can roll out a request for one of seductive sips below (complete with novice notes to ensure you get the right one)

Eeeek, who’s that pulling up in your driveway on a busy Saturday afternoon? When friends spring a surprise visit on you, it can be daunting and send you into a mild panic …

Got a picnic to plan? You can make a picnic as fancy as you please, but if you want to keep things super simple, use our checklist below and enjoy the outdoors.

Looking for a venue to host a hen's party, birthday bash or just a fantastic girls’ day out? We think a day at the races is the answer. There's nothing like frocking up, sipping a glass of your favourite tipple and taking in the action - both on and off the field! Send out one of our racy invites created especially for you.

If you are a fan of eating and drinking well, then this weekend, indulge your passion for culinary delights by asking a friend to join you at a food and wine event.

There’s no excuse for being stuck with nothing to do this weekend! We’ve got ideas to beat boredom – in all states and territories. Here’s what’s on near you (most of these events are perfect for Mother’s Day):

Some Australia Day trivia is a great way to get your guests into mood of the day. Here are 8 quirky questions to get you started. Nip down to the local $2 shop and grab some cheesy Australia Day memorabilia as prizes!

Aussie Day is just around the corner and there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy all that is… Australia. There are so many great ways to get into the spirit with local, state and federal governments all hosting activities this year. There will be live bands, fireworks, photographic and art exhibitions, entertainment for the kids and more. There are over 5,000 events planned for NSW alone!

Awards nights are a fun reason to invite a group over to watch the event on TV. The Oscars (or Academy Awards as they’re officially known) in March are the biggest awards night of the year, but you could also throw a party to watch the Emmys (especially if you’re a fan of US TV shows!) and of course, there’s our own local version, The Logies.

The weather may be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home in your trackies every night from now until spring arrives in September. Making an effort to go out with your partner for a regular date night ensures you don’t slip into the humdrum of spending every night on the couch – co-ordinate diaries to pick a free night, then book the babysitter ASAP! Here are some fun date-night options which don’t cost a lot but are sure to inject a little romance into your day-to-day lives:

Are you having an end-of-winter crisis? Can’t remember what your body actually looks like under those tracksuit pants, bulky jumpers and ugh boots? Well, it’s time to shed the winter layers – literally and mentally – and shape up for spring with our inspirational tips.

Parties are heaps of fun, but there are some situations that can throw you out of your comfort zone. We’ve got some simple ways to deal with common party fears, so you can focus on socialising with confidence (instead of flipping out) …

We've been on the hunt for the perfect banana bread recipe for some time and we think we've got it! Ideal for brunch with the girls, or even as a warm winter dessert. This recipe has come all the way from Botswana.

Mad for rugby? The Bledisloe Cup matches each year see our mighty Wallabies go up against the All Blacks.

If you have a children's special occasion to attend and you're required to bring a plate, we have some great ideas to ensure your contribution is a hit on the day.

Here are some ways to entertain at home without breaking the budget or looking like a cheapskate:

Reading itself is a solitary pursuit. But for those of us who love to sink our teeth into a good novel or biography, there’s nothing better than sharing our thoughts with others when we’ve finished that last nail-biting chapter. Book clubs are an ideal forum to do this.

Here are the answers to common cocktail food questions – from what type of canapés to serve, how to serve them, and the number of bites required to satisfy each guest’s hunger …

The Chinese believe you should eat ‘lucky’ foods to bring on a prosperous new year, and clean your house to sweep out the bad luck from last year ... sounds to us like getting ready for a dinner party!

Get out and about these Christmas holidays and check out what your city has on offer.

Got Irish heritage in your family tree? Even if you don’t, St Patrick’s Day is still a good excuse for a themed party. Go green on March 17 and decorate your place with banners, balloons and badges featuring shamrocks and leprechauns. Oh, and stock the fridge with Guinness if it’s your kind of tipple! Or simply invite a few mates to hit an Irish pub together to dance a jig and have a drink. We’ve got lots of cheeky St Pat’s Day invites you can use.

It was International Women’s Day on Monday, but there are still lots of events being held this week and beyond, celebrating the achievements of women across the world.

Those four crazy gals from NYC are back in the next installment of their fabulous lives – yes, the wait for Sex and the City 2 is finally over! We all love fantasising about living the high life like Carrie, Sam, Charlotte and Miranda, so invite your own posse of girls to see the flick in style together. Here’s how:

The chilly weather calls for cosy nights in, so if you’re a fan of comfort food and love to share a hearty meal with mates, plan a Christmas in July event at your place. We’ve got stacks of Chrissy invites to choose from …

Whether you’ve decided to whip up a Christmas  in July feast yourself or you’ll be sharing the task with friends, here are some delicious Christmas in July menu plans and catering ideas that are guaranteed to spread some Christmas Cheer!

As the weather starts warming up, pool parties can be found in almost any neighbourhood. The relaxed atmosphere pool parties create make them the perfect party to celebrate a birthday, moving house, end of school or just as a catch up.

The doona is coming out and we’re experiencing crisper mornings and cooler afternoons once the sun disappears behind the clouds … yes, we’re in the last weeks of autumn before the big winter chill arrives with a vengeance.

Whether you have an office party to plan, a Christmas dinner to host, or a New Year’s celebration to organise, why not create your own invitation?

Calling all creative geniuses, this party is perfect for you! A make-it-your-own party allows guests to bring their creative flair into many aspects of the party from their attire for the day to the food they will be eating. The idea for a party like this is to encourage guests to create their own party.

Whether you’ve just embarked upon a new relationship or actively dating in the quest for the perfect partner, taking note of a little dating etiquette is certain to impress your potential life mate. Here are some classic do’s and don’ts of the dating world:

Make the most of the extra hours of light that daylight savings brings – don’t you just love leaving the office when the sun is still shining? Here are some top ways to make the most of daylight saving:

Spring brings the start of food festivals across the country, like Crave Sydney, a celebration of food, outdoor, art and fun, incorporating the Sydney International Food Festival. This spring, plan to head to one of the many events, or set yourself an at-home culinary challenge – a three-course, formal sit-down dinner in the spirit of fine food!

Want more time to enjoy Christmas Day and less time slaving in the kitchen? Try this fantastic salad. Ingredients - 1 shoulder of lamb (approx 2.5 kg), 4 shallots halved but not peeled, 6 cloves garlic left whole, 1 carrot peeled and halved, sea salt, 500ml boiling water, small handful freshly chopped mint, 1 pomegranate.

Thinking of getting away for a ski weekend? Check out our favourite ski sites and leave more time to plan your après activities.

Have you got a mini-break on the horizon? Lucky you! Whether you’re heading off as a twosome for some romance, escaping the city with a gaggle of girlfriends, or taking the whole family tribe along for the ride, packing is the least exciting part of getting away from the daily grind …

Spring has sprung, so why not get out and smell the daffodils? What better way to enjoy catching up with friends than over a picnic. Here are some tips to ensure your picnic is as enjoyable and easy as possible:

Can’t wait for the first holiday break since Christmas? The good news is, Easter will be upon us in a month (Friday April 2 to Monday April 5), bringing four blissful days off from the office grind. Bring it on!

Hosting Christmas Day at your place? Having your nearest and dearest around can bring much joy and unfortunately a few headaches. With busy schedules and other priorities it’s easy to end up in a flap just before the big day. Follow our simple guide below and you’ll remain as cool as Mrs C herself!

Did anyone say nachos? How about inviting some families over this weekend for an early dinner with the children – and give the gathering a Mexican theme! It’s fun and suitable for all the family. Here’s an easy-peasy Mexican-inspired menu plan:

Spring Racing Carnival kicks off in a few weeks in Melbourne, with 50 days of racing excitement to be had. In Sydney, Royal Randwick Spring Carnival starts on 25 September and runs through to 2 November (Melbourne Cup Day, of course!). Here are some ideas to gear up for a day at the races, whether in Melbourne, Sydney or at your local racecourse.

This party season the streets have been speckled with frocked-up party-goers as fancy dress parties make a bit of a come-back.

‘Tis the season of State of Origin, soccer FIFA World Cup, AFL, Bledisloe Cup and more football than any Aussie sports fan could ever want! But if you’re not a die-hard footy fan, it can be a tough gig twiddling your thumbs beside your partner while they yell excitedly at the ref on the telly …

When the coldest season of the year is finishing up, we can usually think of a million reasons to be glad spring is coming. But here are a few positive things about winter to help get through those last few weeks of dull weather!

If you’ve been tasked with feeding the hungry footy fans on finals day, some simple preparation and planning can go a long way to making the day a success.

If you’re a lover of parties, or a lover of list-making, then this handy party event planner is for you! It’s available to all myinvites.com.au members and comes in both pdf and excel format – so you can either write on it or fill out and adjust the checklist on your computer.

You don’t have to be bilingual to enjoy the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2010. Anyone who’s a fan of European cinema (and doesn’t mind subtitles!) will love the line-up of films being shown on screens across Australia during March. The program promises to be diverse, offering 43 French flicks to make you laugh, cry and really think.

Is it party time at your place? To throw the best bash ever, we’ve got a rundown of the freshest decorations, outfits and eats of the season.

Who said having a few families around to your place had to be hard work? We're all in favour of keeping things simple, especially when you're trying to do the organising with little ones around your ankles. So if there are some families who've hosted your tribe recently, it might be time to return the favour. Here's how to keep the occasion fuss-free:

With outside socialising at its peak during summer, remember to protect yourself from sun damage. With a little planning, you can stay safe in the sun, and enjoy yourself even more along the way.

Let’s face it, squeezing your party planning in around work, friends, family and the rest of your life is stressful. Drowning in party paperwork and e-mails and losing track of your to do list? Follow five super simple tips to Paper Flow your Party, from Brigitte Hinneberg, author of Paper Flow, your ultimate guide to making paperwork easy! The end result? An organised, fabulous event and a relaxed and confident host.

We all love presents, and happily, your wedding is one occasion when you are going to receive more presents than you could ever imagine! There are engagement and wedding gifts, presents for the bridal party, and sometimes even an exchange of gifts between the bride and groom!

Banish the blokes this Friday night – it’s high time you had a girly get-together at home! Simply gather the ingredients for the perfect girls’ night-in: you, the girls, some bubbly, a box of Raffaello, a couple of comfy couches, and a session of gossip and secret-telling.

Overdue for a catch-up with the girls? Then organise a Girls Night In (GNI). During the month of October each year, women are encouraged to spend a night in with their girlfriends, and then donate the money they would've spent on a night out to the Cancer Council. The event raises vital funds to fight women's cancers.

Kick your husband or boyfriend out of the house for the night, and send the kids to their grandparents. It’s time to host a girls’ pamper session at your place! Invite half a dozen of your closest girlfriends to share in the fun with one of our girls’ night in invites.

There’s been lots of talk lately about cutting back on spending, recycling, buying second-hand, and generally giving consumerism the flick. So how fun would it be to gather a bunch of friends one weekend for a swap party?

If you’d love to host your friends, without the daunting task of cooking, why not host a pot luck dinner? It’s the no-fuss entertaining option! Here’s how to go about it:

Whether you’re the kind of person who does a lot of planning in their head, or a super-organised type who has a to-do list for every day of the year, when it comes to entertaining, everyone can benefit from a checklist.

When the AFL and NRL footy competitions come to a close each year, it means party time! If you haven’t invited your friends around yet to watch one of the games, don’t panic – you can invite them in a flash using one of our sporty invites.

Don’t forget that today is St Patrick’s Day, and while it’s probably too late to plan a party for tonight, you can always send out a last-minute invite to drinks at an Irish pub.

Sooner or later, most of us get roped into helping out with a local interest group that we’re a part of, such as your netball club or children’s school. And if you find yourself on the fundraising committee, you may be expected to not only come up with ideas for raising dosh, but also organise the fundraiser itself. But where to start?

Then rush to view our bright new Tupperware party designs – there are 12 funky e-invites to choose from, and each is sure to inspire lots of enthusiastic replies to your Tupperware party.

So you’ve sent your invite out in plenty of time, but now the RSVP date has passed … and to be honest, you’re getting antsy about who’s coming to your party. When friends don’t reply to an invitation – whether they have a reasonable excuse or not – it can make it very hard to complete your party planning. So how do you prompt a definite response?

Those who've hosted gatherings for little people are well aware of the effects that too much sugar can inflict on a get-together. Hyperactivity, tantrums and tears are all best avoided on this special day, and by serving nutritious food, it's almost certain that some of those negative party experiences can be avoided.

Another long weekend is headed our way thanks to the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 26 April. So take off in the car after work on Friday or early Saturday morning to enjoy the time off!

Need some exercise, but also lacking the motivation to get off the couch? Get a group together for an exercise session …

Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is upon us with exciting events like Derby Day and the Golden Slipper, so here are five ways to make your girls’ day at the races super-fun:

Barbeques are such a top Aussie way to cook and enjoy food and let’s face it, they’re the easiest way to get your man involved in the cooking! These days you can cook almost anything on the barbie from a delicious whole snapper wrapped in foil to gourmet vegetables.

Dinner Party Diva or Drama Queen? Here are 5 Dinner party mistakes you can avoid.

Spring is a beautiful time to host a garden party. Go all old-worldly and feminine and set up a traditional tea party at your place. Think shabby-chic, romantic, pastel and pretty! This is a great idea for a girls-only event such as a kitchen tea, birthday celebration or baby shower.

So you want to host a surprise party? A surprise party can be the most fantastic and memorable event that gets talked about leading into and often long after the event takes place. It's such a great way of showing someone how much you think they rock - because organisng one is damn hard work!

If you missed part 1 of hosting a wicked surprise party, you can view it here. Once you’ve decided that you’re the right person to organise this kind of she-bang, it’s time to get planning! Here are a few ideas to keep you on track…

If you missed the first two parts of our surprise party series, you can check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here, which focus on the planning of the event. Here’s Part 3, all about the day of the surprise party itself.

You’ve been planning your big do for weeks, and after all that effort, the big day is almost here. Hooray! And while you’ve probably channelled umpteen hours into organising your special occasion – from decorations to food to music and the right mix of guests – you may not have planned your personal ‘party look’ yet. Don’t panic … Here’s a must-do cheat sheet to look your best!

With the divorce rate so high, celebrating marriages that have lasted the distance is even more special than ever! So if your parents (or grandparents) are approaching a significant anniversary, don’t let it go by without a party. They’ll love the thought, and the chance to relive the day they tied the knot many decades ago.

Here’s the dilemma: you sent out party invitations a month ago, and in the last few weeks the replies have rolled in steadily. But now that the RSVP date has lapsed, there are still lots of outstanding responses … and quite frankly, you’re starting to get a bit annoyed. How can you organise the party when you don’t know how many will be attending? It’s a sticky situation - so how can you handle it with style?

Whether you're a proud father yourself and/or look up to your dear old dad, there's one Sunday every year when it's kind of nice to show him a bit of extra-special attention – Father’s Day!

Is it a while since you had some real quality time with your partner – just the two of you, alone? If you've got children, ask the grandparents or a babysitter to look after them on Friday night, then catch a flick together (flip to see who gets to choose the movie).

As the temperature rises it's the ideal time to head outdoors one balmy night and watch a great flick. There are outdoor cinema options all over the country - here are our top 5 picks:

Yes… when the weather starts to cool down and we turn our entertaining indoors, what better way to keep warm than with some karaoke action. There is a good splattering of karaoke bars around town, so if you’re keen to get a group together and head out for some time on the microphone and air guitar, here are some great options in your city:

It's important to provide some form of entertainment at any children's party, to ensure the event has structure and momentum. Fortunately, there are many entertainment options to suit every budget, child and age group, so here are a few points of inspiration to help you get it right when hosting your next party.

Whether you’re the next Nigella Lawson, or have trouble serving up anything more sophisticated than spag bol, cooking classes can be a fun day or night out for everyone.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors – not too hot, not too cold! And you don’t even need to leave the house. Why not ask friends over for brunch at your place? You’ll have the rest of the day to linger and enjoy both the weather and quality company.

Here’s a decadent idea if you’re a sweet-tooth: host a party where the only food on offer is dessert! You can either invite everyone to arrive after they’ve had their dinner (say, 8pm), or have your gathering in the afternoon. Either way, your guests will be licking their lips with all the sweet treats on offer …

Everybody loves surprises, don’t they? You know the good kind like a surprise picnic on a summer’s day, a surprise dinner at the end of a busy week or a surprise birthday party even though it’s not a special year. But then, there are the not so good surprises that usually start off with,’oh darling didn’t I tell you, I’ve invited six people for dinner tomorrow night! Aarrgghhhh…it’s about this time when your brain goes into overdrive and starts to plan menus; seating arrangements; what to wear and, most importantly, what needs to be cleaned! We can all live with a not-so-crunchy crème brulee but can we live with a not-so-gleaming house?

Getting out of town for the weekend is a great way to relax, recharge and leave the stress of the working week behind you. Throw in a beautiful location - coast or country - plus a snazzy tent and blow-up mattress for comfort, and you have the ultimate low-key, low-cost getaway.

With the rise of the internet, and the emergence of some wonderful children's, and service-oriented websites, party planning has recently got a while lot easier, with the internet providing a one-stop location for all party planning needs.

You’ve invested in a gorgeous dress, and some don’t-mention-the-price shoes. Make sure you complement your outfit with the right undergarments, to ensure the best possible look on the day.

DIY bon-bons are a fabulous way to personalise the Christmas table. You can fill them with specific goodies and messages for each of your friends or fill them with fun little random trinkets. Including your own bad jokes is totally your call. They’re a special addition to Christmas at your place or if you’ve been invited as a guest, they’re a fun alternative to bringing “a plate of something’. And want to know the best news? They’re pretty easy to make.

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade has become an iconic part of Sydney's cultural landscape … and the 2010 event will be no exception. Billed as ‘the world’s premier gay and lesbian arts festival’, it is set to take on a new format, covering a two-week period in February and March 2010. The festival will kick off with Fair Day on 21 February, and the stunning Parade itself will strut its stuff on 27 February.

Farmers’ markets are a fantastic concept: producers bring their food direct from the farm to you, meaning you can purchase a range of high quality, beautifully fresh food as you wander from stall to stall.

Whether or not you make it to the track at Flemington, Melbourne Cup is a great Aussie tradition. These days, it's more than just a horse race, with guys and girls dressing up to celebrate the occasion in style. So get ready to put on a spring frock and hat, and have your yearly flutter on the gee-gees!

Who doesn’t love Italian food? It’s a real crowd pleaser. This is a great menu plan for novice chefs – the dishes aren’t complicated but still taste yummy!

There’s nothing like a good Indian takeaway on a Friday night, but what’s to stop you from creating your own Indian dining experience at home? These classic favourites will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Transport your dinner guests to the laid-back lifestyle of the Mediterranean – here’s a delicious selection of food to serve outdoors on a balmy evening. Chill the white wine and relax!

Asian food is always tasty and it’s often good for you, too, with its clean, fresh flavours. Treat your guests to a tastebud explosion with these Oriental-inspired dishes.