It is almost impossible to entertain well unless you're a list-maker. Pad and pencil are as important to a good hostess as to a court stenographer. You begin, as we've already said, with a guest list. After that you plan the party. In general, you will allow yourself plenty of time for this. We'll discuss emergency entertaining later. First you make an over-all list like the following:

things to be done
1.Decide how much you can spend. If this allows for any paid help, arrange for that at once.
2.Take clothes to the cleaners.
3.Make appointment to have hair done.
4.Check linen to see that it is ready for use.
5.Arrange to borrow card tables, games, etc. Pick up.
6.Make list of extras: cigarettes, cards, tallies, prizes.
7.Plan menu or refreshments.
8.Make market lists for the day before and for the day itself.
9. List of last-minute needs, like ice.
10. Check liquor and wines as well as other bar supplies, such as:
soda, lemons and bitters. Make list of needs.
12.For an outdoor party-check to see that you have grills, carving board, long fork, salts and peppers, wood, charcoal, paper napkins, asbestos gloves, aprons, cups, plates, forks, etc.
13.Order flowers. (Or pick flowers.)
14.List rooms to be cleaned. Time for cleaning each.
15. Make sure the home is in good repair. Check for light bulbs that are out.

Now, from that master list, you make your other lists. You check the original and the supplementary lists as you go along to be sure that all is under way. This is much easier than trying to keep all those items in your head, and it saves time.

paid help
The minute you've made up your budget for the party, decide whether it allows for any paid help-cook, waitress, sitter, bar man. If it does, telephone an agency or the people themselves at once. If you wait until the last minute, you will probably not get the people you want.

the tailor
When you've made up your mind what you're going to wear and found out what your husband will wear, check to make sure that the required garments are clean and pressed. If necessary, take them imme­diately to the tailor.

the hairdresser
If your hair needs a doing, make an appointment with the hairdresser for not later than the day before the party. Your coiffure will look better if it isn't stiff and obviously new. Besides, you ought not to have appointments away from home on the day of the party, if possible.

mussy table linen?
Get out the linen you want to use and if it isn't properly pressed, do it well ahead of time. You'll have plenty of last-minute details to attend to without adding what can be done beforehand.