SMOOTH OPERATOR

Allison Barrett, owner of My Perfect Party, shares her top tips for the smooth running of a drinks party: Hire bar staff to serve drinks, keep the bar stocked, clear glasses and tidy up. A great investment for about $150. Consider hiring a drinks fridge, too. In the hotter months, ice melts quickly and can get messy. Buy a few more bottles than you think you’ll need. Have a return arrangement with your bottle shop for any unused ones. If you’re holding a party around a pool, consider good-quality plastic or acrylic glasses, and keep fragile glass away from the pool enclosure.

Set up a hydration station stocked with jugs of water or a glass water dispenser.

Keep a dustpan and broom close by in case of breakages.