How do you throw an AWESOME PARTY?!?

Answer 1

Three things: pay attention to detail, avoid cliches, and "own" it.

Pay attention to detail by deciding on your inspiration for the party (and inspiration doesn't necessarily mean a "theme," but could mean a theme). Then, make sure that every little thing you do fits with that inspiration - every detail should make sense with your vision - from invites to food. This also helps you save money by helping you resist the urge to buy cool stuff that doesn't fit with your theme.

Avoid cliche parties by finding your inspiration in unusual things. I was once asked to do a luau, but rather than the luaus that everyone else had done a million times over, I made it a Blue Hawaiian party. We had all blue linens, sea glass runners, Blue Hawaiian cocktails, and best of all: live hula dancers. The hula dancers were interactive, and the guests loved it. Our back-up plan to the hula dancers was an Elvis impersonator. Think outside the box and you'll have a memorable event.

Own it by making you number one job the job of making your guests feel comfortable and involved. If you have shy friends who don't know any other guests, make a point of introducing them, sure, but go a step farther and get the conversation started. Find out what they have in common, and only move on once you've established a comfort factor.

Answer 2

Have music.
Have variety of food
Have plenty of ice
Don't go longer than 2 hours
Lots of candles or rope-lighting (depends upon the mood you're trying to create)