This book by a party consultant/special events coordinator offers advice on how to throw an unforgettable cocktail party. Topics covered include deciding on party size, location and theme; making a guest list and invitations; creating a menu; making hors d'oeuvres; tending bar; selecting background music; and handling problems like spills and party crashers. The "Cheat Sheet" in the front of the book contains a cocktail music guide, a martini recipe, a party day checklist and a liquor estimate chart.

Similar but more comprehensive than Cocktail Parties For Dummies is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Entertaining. Written by a food writer/recipe developer, this book discusses how to plan dinner parties, outdoor celebrations, potlucks, cocktail parties, business entertaining events and weekend visits. There are lots of recipes and helpful tips throughout. A "Reference Card" card provides "10 Steps to Confident Entertaining," "5 Pointers for Developing Your Own Entertaining Style" and "The System for a Flawless Party."

This colorful book by the senior editor of Family Fun magazine presents lots of party ideas for children and families. Examples include all sorts of birthday party themes (painting, clown school, disco dancing, etc.) as well as ideas for slumber parties, block parties, dinner parties (Italian, pizza, salad bar, etc.) and holiday celebrations. There also tips on invitations, decorations, games, crafts, favors, prizes and cakes.