For your first party, aim for fifteen confirmed guests.

If you want to have a bit of fun with the start and end time, you can pick a random minute around 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sol Orwell, the co-founder of the scientific research

Any time you host an event, always invite your core group first.

Three weeks is the sweet spot. It provides you with plenty of time to build a solid list of RSVPs. You’ll message a few close connections, create a simple online event page, lock in those first RSVPs, and then send invites to other prospective guests.

But when you have fifteen people in your home and everyone is talking at the same time, you’ll appreciate how easy and smooth a harmonica makes it to get people’s attention.

At the party, do these four things: Use name tags with first names only. Facilitate three quick icebreakers. Take a group photo. End the party on time.

Make name tags part of your hosting strategy from the beginning.

As with your core group, don’t be afraid to show vulnerability when you send out messages to great guests about your party.

Now is a courteous time to tell your neighbors that you’ll be hosting a small gathering. Give them a heads up that you’re expecting visitors and from what times.