Avoid these hosting no-nos for an easy going evening.
Truth is, hosting is not easy but it can be enjoyable if you plan it right.
Here are nine things you should never do the day you’re hosting your affair.

Tablecloth: Veranda Design, Courtesy Lisa Corti; Placemats and Flatware: Courtesy Soirée Everyday; Glassware: Cosimo Pink & Yellow by Campbell-Rey, Courtesy Collecto.Credit:CARMEL BRANTLEY
Deciding on yourmenuahead of time gives you time for proper meal prep.
Once your menu is set, plan to do your grocery shopping the day before your gathering.
Bonus: Its one less thing to do the day of.

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez
The night before, choose the party platters for each menu item and label with sticky notes.
Send Out Invitations
Plans should be clearly established well ahead of time.
Plus, it helps to have a number of guests you’re preparing to cook for.

(1) Bamboo Melamine Platter, $50; brookeandlou.com (2) Large Rectangle Serving Tray in Hawthorne, $48; riflepaperco.com (3) Southern Living Astra Collection Glazed Oval Platter, $42 each; dillards.com (4) Tidbit Tray in Cobalt, $75; lucysmarket.com (5) Dansk Vandvid Ceramics by Niels Refsgaard Large Serving Platter in Lines and Dots, $40; food52.com (6) Linen Piatra Platter, $85; handmadestudiotn.com (7) Maria Flor Torte Dahlia, $95; lucysmarket.com (8) Glenna Platter, from $68; anthropologie.com.Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ
Even if youve made a plan with guests in person, dont expect them to remember everything.
Be sure to pull anything out of thefreezerthat youre planning to cook or reheat the day before.
The key to not panicking when it comes to hosting and enjoying a stress-free evening is proper preparation.