Party Planning Tips & Tricks

Only a few people RSVP'd:
There are a couple of ways that you can handle this problem:
- Call everyone on the guest list a couple of days prior to the party to determine a final headcount.
-Plan on only the people that RSVP'd attending, and have enough food and drinks available for those people.
- Plan for everyone on the guest list to show up, and make sure there is enough food and drinks available for everyone.
Feeling like you've gotten in over your head with planning:
I have done this more than once. You just have to take a look at your task list, take a really deep breath, and decide what aspects of the party are most important. Then start crossing off things that are a) not necessary to a fabulous party, b) too time consuming to finish before the deadline, and c) too expensive to the overall budget. No one will miss the crossed off items, because they won't have known about them, and the overall finished party will be amazing.
Who gets stuck cleaning up?
Typically, the hostess is also expected to clean up. Since you will be present for the party, you can maintain a certain level of tidiness throughout the party. Throw away empty plates and cups. Another option would be to hire a cleaning company to come in after the party and do a thorough cleaning.