Let's face it, we all get a little crazed when planning a party. Admitting you need help is half the battle. Karen Lee, professional caterer, author, and culinary teacher, offers advise to help you keep your sanity in check

Clean House

DO: the bulk of the house cleaning a few days before the party. If you don’t have the time, hire someone to help you.

DON’T: leave details like polishing the silver, washing the windows, dusting and vacuuming until the day of your party. If you leave the housework to the last minute, it will only invite stress. The only room you should wait to clean on the day of the event is the bathroom, according to Lee.

Lineup Volunteers:

DO: enlist family and friends to help with the party-prep work. If you don’t hire someone to help you, delegate tasks to those nearest and dearest and make sure you have at least one person to help you in the kitchen. Ask a close friend to lend a hand with food prep. "You can make it fun," says Lee. "Catch up on things while peeling the shrimp." Have the little ones set the table, older children arrange the centerpiece and your spouse help with the shopping and menu planning.

DON’T: try to do it all yourself.

Divide and Conquer:
DO: split up the shopping detail. If you have to visit different stores for your supplies, draw up a clear list of items and have a family member or friend hit some of the stores for you.

DON’T: wait until the day of the party to shop. "Everything should be bought by the day before the party," Lee warns. "That way, if you can’t find an item on your list, you can order it, or improvise with something else."

Take Five.

DO: set aside time for a short nap on the afternoon of the party.

DON’T: assume you have no time to slow down. In the long run, even half an hour of rest can keep your stress level in check. That way you’ll be refreshed and ready when guests arrive.

Clean-up Detail:
DO: consider hiring a dishwasher, it’s money well-spent, according to Lee.