Just-right invites

Create invitations that convey the theme of your party -- and that it's going to be really fun, a must-attend. To get guests excited, be creative. Send a sprig of holly with details listed alongside a lipstick-imprinted kiss, affix a swizzle stick with a promise of a great custom cocktail you plan to serve or shoot out an Evite with whimsical holiday-inspired verbiage. Then save yourself some cash with clever themes. Forget stocking glassware and invite guests to arrive with their most festive martini glasses, or skip a huge bar tab by suggesting each guest arrives with a bottle of vino.

Whatever you decide to do, send your invites out at least two to three weeks before your event. Two important rules to remember: Include a start and an end time on invitations so party hoppers can plan ahead, and clearly indicate the type of party (cocktail party, dinner party, etc.) you plan to host so friends know what to expect.