Here's the secret to your next successful party. From pre-planning to the last guest, everything you need to entertain.

When planning the perfect party, why not go straight to the experts for advice - the people whose parties everyone loves? Chris and Teri Plazak, former restaurant owners and caterers, have hosted some of the best in their Cary, Illinois, home.

According to Chris and Teri, you don’t need a ton of money or a degree in culinary arts to host a great gathering. Just some pre-planning, a little creativity, and a fun, relaxed attitude. Party on!

Here are their 25 Dos and Don’ts for successful entertaining.

Planning

1. DO make sure people know exactly who is invited. Are their children welcome? Don’t be vague and don’t leave anything up to interpretation.

2.. DO plan wisely for amounts. An hors d’oeuvre party should have 10-15 appetizers per person. At a dinner party, have 3-5 appetizers per person.

3. If you’re having a large party, DO hire servers or bartenders. It’ll free you up to enjoy yourself.

4. DON’T take on huge house projects just before the party. Don’t schedule your event a week after you’re expected to finish a big remodeling job.

5. DO have a party plan to space out your tasks and stick to it. Two days before your party clean your house (or hire someone to do it), plan your menu, make a detailed shopping list, and shop for everything. The day before the party, make all the food and assemble dishes. The day of the party, run the vacuum and start putting food out.

The House

6. DON’T let your pets get in the way. Put the dog, cat – and if children are not invited – your own children away for the party.

7. DO use everyday items you have around the house for serving. Put breadsticks in a vase, use a basket for crackers, place a glass plate on top of a drinking glass and you have a pedestal serving plate. Stack books under the tablecloth for a tiered effect, placing food at different levels on the table.

8. DON’T use your party to impress your guests with how beautiful your house is. Rather, change it to make it party-friendly, not a showcase.

The Food and Drinks

9. When planning the menu, DON’T try to please every person with every dish. Just because one person is a vegetarian doesn’t mean you can’t include meat in your menu.

10. DO have plenty of beverages. Serve each guest their first drink and then let them know how to help themselves after that.

11 DON’T spend the entire party serving your guests. You’re a host, not a waiter.

12. DON’T use your party guests as guinea pigs: If you’re trying out a new recipe, make it ahead of time to see if it’ll work. Leave nothing to chance.

13. DON’T serve food that is black, brown or muddy, no matter how good it tastes.

14. If possible, DO serve food on a buffet line, as opposed to serving guests at the table. It’s not overly formal and guests appreciate being able to choose their own food.

15. If kids are included in your party, DO plan separate food for them: Have some pizzas delivered or make chicken nuggets or other child-friendly foods.

16. DON’T feel obligated to serve food or wine gifts that are handed to you as a guest walks in the door. It may not fit with your menu and you may not want to take the time to prepare it for serving.

Setting the Mood

17. Unless it’s a Super Bowl party and you’re going to be gathered around the television, DO play music to set the mood. There’s nothing more grim than a silent party.

18. DO create a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere with soft lighting. Dim the lights and use candles.

19. If appropriate, DO have a theme for your party and play games. Don’t make it too structured or organized, but let the tone of the party help you decide how to start a game.

20. DON’T force introductions. They’ll happen naturally, and your party will be more relaxed.

21. DON’T steer conversation toward controversial subjects – religion, politics or the next-door-neighbors that no one likes.

22. DON’T overreact if someone spills food or a drink. So what? Do a quick wipe up and get back to the party. You can tackle it later.

23. If kids are invited to your party, DON’T let them run all over the house and dominate the party. Designate an area for them to play.

24. DON’T answer the phone during the party. You can hear about Grandma’s liver spots later.

And Finally:

25. DON’T let friends drink and drive.