If you had a party and served frozen foods, beer in cans, wine out of a box, no music at all, and kept the light on, the party would not be too great 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 needs to always be bought in bottles. There are still great deals even though it is not from a box. It is also o good idea to have a few bottles around the house, for guest that may pop by and like to have a few drinks.

The atmosphere is made up of three main things; music, lighting, and decoration. Every party needs to have some music. 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 table with the finger foods and the liquor will probably be the focal point so pretty it up with some flowers and a table cloth. If it is a theme party then decorate accordingly. There is no need for anything tacky, just flowing decorations.

You should have no reason to not stop and talk with your guests. Enjoy everything that you have created and enjoy your guests.