Party stress got you down? Avoid last-minute chaos and party panic with these 10 easy tips:

1. Keep it simple. Before you invite guests, think carefully about what kind of party you want. Don’t host a big dinner if a simple dessert and coffee party would be just as good.
   
   
2. Write it down. You can even make your lists online and save them for the next party.
   
   
3. Use shortcuts. Refrigerated pie crust is a great starting point for not just pie but appetizers and dinners, too. Same goes for refrigerated cookie dough. And cleanup is that much easier.
   
   
4. Be realistic. Try not to underestimate when it comes to your time, your budget and your energy level.
   
   
5. Ask for help. Ask for friends’ help on party day in exchange for your help at one of their parties. Help your friend with her son’s birthday party, and ask her to help with your daughter’s party.
   
   
6. Keep it cheap. Use coupons when you can. Plan around foods in season for big savings (like strawberries in the summer). Keep the number of recipes you make to a minimum. Invite a friend or two to host with you, and split up the cost of the party.
   
   
7. Make food ahead. Make-ahead saves you lots of time and stress on party day. For a brunch, make a strata the night before. For a lunchtime event, try a fabulous soup in a slow cooker. For dinner, check out this recipe for delicious lasagna.
   
   
8. Clean the house, but don’t obsess. Focus on the rooms where the party will be. A quick sweep of the room will do.
   
   
9. Get it together. Who wants to go hunting for the salad tongs when guests are waiting for salad? Get out the serving plates in case they need a quick wash. Find the serving utensils and other things you'll need (matches to light the birthday candles, a recycling box for pop cans, extra ice cube trays).
   
   
10. . Smile. That gets rid of any extra last-minute stress. If something goes wrong, laugh it off and enjoy the party.