Sadly the days of Emily Post may be fading in our memories, but entertaining in the home isn't a lost art. A new home can be more than a place to rest your head at night -- it can be where you build and maintain relationships for years to come. In fact with many modern conveniences and societal norms, it is easier than ever. That said, its time to oil your rusty entertaining joints.

If you've just gotten settled into your new home, its a perfect time to invite friends and family over. "But after moving and closing costs, I have no money left!" Entertaining doesn't necessarily mean fine china and butler service anymore -- more times than not, casual is the mode of choice. That means barbecues, cocktail parties, and throw away plates.

The main rule as a host or hostess is to anticipate the needs of your guests so that they are comfortable at all times. You can do that on a very small budget.

You must first decide what size group you would like to invite. Small groups are much more intimate, and as such you should choose carefully the mix of people you host. A small, awkward group with nothing in common will soon fizzle, but choose 10-12 people that already know each other or have similar interests and you'll have a success.

For even an informal gathering, try to give your guests at a couple weeks notice. A printed invitation can serve as a great reminder -- and can be done on most printers with heavier cardstock. It is also a good idea to have your guests RSVP . This will allow you to plan how much food and drink to prepare. If you don't want to use paper and ink -- a simple phone or email can do the trick.

Prepare the Home

While a clean house is a good start, attention to details will take you far. Check all toilet paper supplies and set out extra rolls in plain view. Make sure all soap dispensers are full and that hand towels are fresh. These things are cheap, but make a big difference.

Check outside. Move your own cars into the garage or down the street to free up parking for your guests. Be sure that flower beds are weeded and the welcome mat is clean.

Burn candles ahead of time. If you want a scent that lingers a bit longer, try boiling water with cinnamon sticks.

If any of your guests have pet allergies, vacuum floors and couches and place the pet in a spare room during the party. This may be good advice even if no one has allergies -- depending on how excited your pet gets when new people are in its home.

Anticipate the needs of smokers. Prepare an area outside of your home (unless smoking is permitted inside) to direct smokers to. Have an ashtray, mints, lighter, and a sitting area on your patio or deck that is blocked from the wind.

And finally put on some soft background music. You know your guests and what music they will like. Jazz and classical are typically safe choices, though most any genre can work is kept quiet.

Plan the menu

Not all of your guests will be drinkers, meaning some will be designated drivers or are abstinent when it comes to alcohol. Also, as the host it is your responsibility to be sure that guests do not overdrink. Don't have an open bar, rather place yourself as the bartender, refilling or making drinks as necessary. Many party experts recommend choosing one main cocktail recipe to serve at the party -- so you aren't having to mix numerous recipes during the event. This also cuts down on the costs of having to buy numerous bottles of alcohol. Have tea, coffee, and water available as well.

If you are new to game of entertaining, I don't recommend you do a dinner party on your first attempt, rather choose an evening affair where drinks and hors d'oeuvres will suffice.

For appetizers: choose a wide range that complement each other or follow a theme. Be sure to include at least one vegetarian choice -- even a small veggie tray with carrots, celery, and broccoli with dip can work. Also choose items that can be prepared ahead of time -- so that you are free as soon as guests start arriving.

A good place to find recipes is on such entertaining sites as marthastewart.com .

Greeting your Guests

Greet all guests personally at the door. This will remove any awkward moments where the guest wonders if they should just come in, where to put their items, etc. Ask for coats, hats, and purses -- and tell the guest where you will be putting them (a spare room on the first level works well if a coat closet isn't available).

Give them a brief tour of where the food, smoking area, and restrooms are and then direct them to where you want to maintain your guests. Most people will choose a living room or parlor, though with warmer weather, you may choose an outdoor party.

During the Party

Mingle. As the host it is your responsibility to make sure all guests feel welcome and looked after. Don't spend too long talking to any one group or person. Move from group to group, asking if anyone needs any drink refills or anything else.

But finally, enjoy yourself. A host having fun will put guests at ease, but this gathering is for your entertainment as well. Just don't let entertaining on a small budget deter you from sharing your home with friends and family. Chances are they are there for your company, not for a chance to eat off the fine china.