There are many good reasons for throwing a party in your own home, and no reason why it can't be elegant, fabulous and fun.

At-home dinners allow you to socialise with friends and colleagues or celebrate a special occasion in comfortable, intimate environs. Backyard barbecues and pool parties are a simple, informal way to entertain friends and family, and are fun for children, too. And if you've just moved into a great new place, you'll want to have a housewarming to show it off.

Where's the party?
You don't have to own a mansion to host a fabulous party. But do have a do that's appropriate to your home.

¥ If you live in an apartment, you may not have the space for a dance party, but you'd be fine with a chic little cocktail do.
¥ If you've just bought an extendable table for your dining area, you're set for a sit-down dinner.
¥ If your garden is large and lush, or you have a pool, make the most of it by hosting your do outdoors.
¥ A large patio is perfect for cocktail parties, barbecues and al
fresco dinners.

Space & numbers
Keep your numbers manageable: unless you live in a huge house, limit yourself to a maximum of 50 guests. Ensure everyone RSVPs so you can get the numbers and mix right, especially if you're having the party catered. Whether 13 and 30 people show up can make a huge difference to the ambience - and elbow room!

Don't make the mistake of trying to cram guests into a too-small area. If your dining table seats six, don't invite 12 people to a sit down dinner - hire a trestle table, outdoor heaters and barbecue torches, and host it on the patio.

If your lounge-room's tiny, forget the indoor cocktail do for three dozen: take it out onto your expansive rooftop terrace. If the backyard's tiny, a barbecue will fizzle - show off your chef's skills with an a la carte meal in your elegant dining area.

Food & drink
An at-home dinner gives you the chance to show off your culinary skills. Cook enough so guests can ask for second helpings, and don't knock yourself out making dishes that require you to spend half the night in the kitchen.

Avoid serving- guests want to see you! Unless it's a casual plates-on-laps affair or barbecue, hire personable staff to serve food and drink and clean up afterwards.

If you're hiring a caterer, they'll generally organise this side of things. They can also come up with a variety of menu options to suit your party style and budget - anything from sushi, tapas or canapes to a themed or exotic buffet banquet or spectacular a la carte dinner. They can also organise beverages and cakes.

Garden, backyard & patio dos
If you have a large backyard, host a barbecue, pool party or al fresco dinner. Host summer parties around a backyard spa or swimming pool.
For a daytime party, make your garden guest-friendly with shadecloth, market umbrellas, hammocks, deckchairs and picnic rugs. For a pool party, put up umbrellas, banana lounges, inflatables, and a gazebo or marquee bar.

Party equipment and decor
Dress up your home with flowers, decorations, props and furnishings (drapes, mirrors, candleabra, chandeliers, chair covers and centrepieces) from party suppliers, homewares stores, florists, and prop/party equipment hire outlets.

Turn your patio or backyard into an exciting party space with fairy lights, astro turf, potted palms and dressed-up trestle tables. For larger parties, you might want a dancefloor, staging, scaffolding and specialist lighting, too.

Party fun for children
The safe, comfortable environs of a private home are perfect for parties with children. Make sure the space is childproofed, and have fun activities planned: a pinata, novelty races, a treasure hunt, a karaoke comp, croquet, boules or minigolf. You might want to hire children's entertainers, a puppet theatre, a trampoline or jumping castle and play equipment.

Details
Ensure guests have safe ways to get home. If they're driving, let them know where they can park nearby. Pre-book cabs for departing guests, especially if it's a busy night or time of year.

Make sure you let the neighbours know you'll be having a party, especially if it's a large or outdoor do or you're having live or loud entertainment. Better still, invite them!

Keep noise levels down after 11pm, ensure amplified music is in soundproofed areas, and ask guests to depart quietly.

This article continues in Party Magazine