Feeding a lot of people doesn't have to be difficult.

It can be downright fun, whether you're throwing a casual birthday party for adults, having a housewarming, or hosting a big holiday celebration.

The most important tip for a host(ess) to remember is don't forget to laugh.
No matter what detail goes awry when entertaining, whether little or large, your best accessory will be the ability to laugh at your mistake.

It makes your guests comfortable and puts things into the proper perspective. After all, we're talking about entertaining, not brain surgery.

So have fun, laugh a lot and follow the following tips to help your event be successful.

• Decide what kind of party works for you and your guests: cocktail, buffet, sit down, etc.
• Plan the menu
• Draw up the shopping list
• Take an inventory of pots, pans, dishes, flatware, glasses, napkins, and serving utensils and vessels to make sure you have all the equipment you need for cooking and serving

• For an informal party, keep things simple. Purchase snacks like chips, salsa, nuts, cold cuts, bread, and prepared salads.
• Before you go shopping, clean out your fridge to make room for all those prepared foods and make-ahead dishes.
• They're your friends; feed them right. Incorporate healthy dishes based on fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• If you are serving buffet-style, then you'll want to plan a little crowd-control -- spread things out on small platters with the sides and meat pre-sliced.
• There's no need to foot the bill for the wine as well as the food. Make it a BYOB and ask your guests to bring wine, beer or soda.
• Make well placed and clearly marked areas for trash.
• Have plenty of ice on hand.
• Set and dress your table before your guests arrive.

Know just how much to serve your guests

• Count on 3 drinks per guest.
• Provide guests with non-alcoholic drink choices.
• Assume some of your guests will be vegetarians.
• Count on 4 to 6 hors d'oeuvres per person if you're serving a meal. If you're just serving hors d'oeuvres with cocktails, the amount goes up to 12 pieces per person.
• A portion of meat per person is 1/4 to 1/3 pound.
• A portion of vegetables, rice, pasta, or salad is 1/2 cup.
• A 9-inch pie or tart (after a large meal) will serve 8 to 10.
• Always prepare a selection of items that can be served at room temperature. That way you don't have to worry that your hot entree will be getting cold, or your cold dessert will be melting.

Reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when entertaining and help ensure guests arrive home safely by following these 10 tips for responsible hosting:

• Don't drink too much yourself. As the host, you can stay on top of, and avoid, potential problems when you can think more clearly and act more quickly.
• Plan ahead so that it's easy to follow this advice.
• Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least an hour before the party is over. Bring out more alcohol-free drinks (bottled water, juice, coffee and tea) and food. Remember that having coffee after drinking doesn't make you sober.
• Find out how guests will be getting home from your party.
  Promote the use of designated drivers and keep cash and telephone numbers on hand for taxis.
  Encourage your guests to leave their cars at home and take public transportation, cabs, or walk. Be prepared to take away car keys. Never drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
• Have a plan to deal with any guest who drinks too much. Before the party, ask someone reliable to help you keep things under control.
• Serve drinks yourself or designate a bartender instead of having an open bar, as guests usually drink more when they serve themselves. Avoid serving doubles and keep a shot glass or jigger next to the bottles - good measurement makes all the difference.
• Be prepared for overnight guests.
• Serve snacks with drinks and always have food available throughout the party to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods as guests will become thirstier. High-starch and protein foods such as meats, veggies, cheeses, light dips and breads are good choices.
• Always provide low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, such as Mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, pop, bottled water, tea and coffee.
• Don't plan physical activities when you serve alcohol. People are generally more prone to injury or mishap after drinking.