As an event planner, cocktail parties are my favorite get-togethers to host. They're easy to plan and glamorous yet relatively inexpensive—you can serve high-priced items like caviar and still have some money left over because you'll only be serving small bites. Plus, since you'll be making several different types of hors d'oeuvres, there's plenty of room to experiment in the kitchen.

When planning your party, A creative theme can make your party feel special without adding to your budget, and it will help you come up with ideas for food, drinks, and decorations.