Discover the secrets of ... the perfect weekend break.

Dig out your fancy frocks and polish your dancing shoes: the party season's about to kick off with a popping of corks and a clinking of glasses!

While throwing the perfect party is always a great idea in theory, if you're the one who has to plan it, what felt like a sparkling idea can start to lose some if its fizz. But whether it's a family party, a gathering of friends or a knees-up for work colleagues, with a little organisation and a lot of festive cheer it's easy to throw the party of the century... and enjoy it too!

Click on the categories below for hints and tips on how to throw four fabulously different events.

Work knees up

Work do's come in all shapes and sizes, but much of their success depends on how good you are at negotiating and managing your budget.

  • Guest list: Everyone at work!
  • Venue: Depending on the size of the budget it could be anywhere from a bar, to a hotel suite, or somewhere more novelty like a party boat or karaoke bar.
  • Food: Depending on the venue, you could organise a buffet, sit down meal, canapés or nibbles.
  • Drink: Talk to the venue management and see if you can negotiate some drinks offers - if there are enough of you coming, it shouldn't be difficult. If you manage your budget carefully, there should be some left over to put behind the bar.
  • Dress code: People generally love a chance to dress up, so make it smart, or even better, themed.
  • Entertainment: Ask the venue manager if they have a resident DJ or band that plays there regularly. If your budget will stretch you could also look into a professional photographer, magician, look-a-likes or a chocolate fountain.
  • Finishing touches: Decorate the venue, make party bags, and try and sweet-talk the powers-that-be to see if they'll give you an hour off work so you can all go and get ready!
  • Don't forget to: Keep the following morning clear of meetings if the party's on a week night.
  • Make it easy by: Delegating! Get as many people involved at work as possible to lighten the load.