Parties that have frozen o'deuvres, canned beer, boxed up wine, without any music, and all the lights on would not make a very great party at all. There are rules for entertaining good food, good drinks, and atmosphere.
Even casual parties need to serve fresh food. Finger foods are the best because there are no utensils that are needed so there would be less of a clean up afterwards. Serve the food on trays this way there will be enough so you will not need to run back and fourth from the kitchen. You too need to have enjoyment from the party.
Remember to never serve beer in cans. Wine should be bought in bottles. There are still great deals even though it is not from a box. It is always a good idea to have some liquor in the house anyway, just in case you have guests drop by that like to have a drink or two.
The atmosphere is made up of three main things; music, lighting, and decoration. There needs to be music at every party. Where there is good music there usually is dancing, and parties are a lot better if there is dancing. With the lights on nobody will even think about dancing. A dimmer switch should be considered if you plan on having more then one party a year.
The focal point of the room will be the table that you will be serving on and the liquor so make it look good with a table cloth and some flowers. If it is a theme party you are having then you need to decorate accordingly. There is no need for anything tacky, just flowing decorations.
