For impromptu soirees, e-vites are the most efficient way to invite your guests; and lest you fear juvenile clip art-style graphics, the latest of such services offer extensive customization options. In addition to Paperless Post and pingg, a couple of our more recent favorites include Socializr and My Punch Bowl . Socializr offers Blackberry-friendly invites that allow users to email all of the details, no link-clicking required, while My Punch Bowl boasts a democratic spin on party planning by letting hosts poll party guests to find the date that works best for most.

Rather than go through the hassle of renting a karaoke machine, iKaraoke allows you to cue up your favorite tunes on your iPod so you and you guests can create your own American Idol competition. If singing is not your forte, show off your "DJ" skills with iTunes-BPM Inspector , an application that tracks the beats per minute of any given song and allows you to create playlists based on similar speeds. Tell everyone your DJ name and you may even find yourself with some paid gigs lined up in the new year.

Liberate yourself from the threat of spilled candle wax, and instead, create ambiance with battery-powered LED tealights ; the faux flames look just like the real thing. For a more festive lighting scheme, make the switch to energy saving colored bulbs that are not only more environmentally friendly but also last longer than regular bulbs.

Serving store-bought snacks that look homemade is always a simple and easy way to take the stress off of hosting and ensure that guests will be happy and well-fed. However, if you have the budget to go the catered food route, look into companies that specialize in small bites, such as Bite Catering Couture . For drinks, consider offering more creative cocktails in addition to classic seasonal favorites like eggnog and mulled wine. Cocktail DB lets you browse a library of cocktails, searching drink recipes by ingredients or name. Don't know where to start? Check out the site's Mixilator, a random cocktail generator that creates beverage recipes based on your specific preferences.