Follow this 10-step checklist to make sure your party gets off on the right foot.

1. Assess your food and serving requirements. If anything needs to be thawed or baked, do it now. Mentally review what youÕre serving and what it will be served on Ñ just to be sure you've got everything.

2. Define the party boundaries. Decide where you're entertaining guests... and what areas they will not see.

3. Isolate the areas you won't be using. Block off-limits areas by closing doors, rerouting traffic with "road blocks" such as screens, chairs, etc.

4. Remove clutter from the areas guests will see. Grab a laundry basket and toss everything that doesn't belong into it. Hide the basket(s) in a blocked-off room.

5. Clean the dirt that shows in entertaining areas. Wash table surfaces, dust, clean up cat hair, etc.

6. Attack the bathrooms. Put away cosmetics, toothbrushes, and other clutter. Wipe surfaces and floor with a damp towel. De-spot mirrors. Clean bowls and seats. Equip with extra toilet paper, hand towels, soap, etc.

7. Spot-clean areas that guests may pass through. This includes the foyer, kitchen and areas you can't block off. Pick up and hide clutter (see #4), then swipe away smudges on mirrors and glass and fingerprints on walls.

8. Dim the lighting. Less-bright lighting can hide a lot of things. Plus it helps set a softer mood.

9. Light some scented candles or set out potpourri. Gentle scents make things seem cleaner. And candles dial up the ambiance. (Be sure not to overdo it; many people are sensitive to perfumes and candle smoke.)

10. Assemble your food and drink. Transport everything you can into the main entertaining area so your kitchen remains hidden.