Create a schedule. This far out you have the luxury of debating over every detail. Work backward from the day of the party or the big holiday meal, and set up a checklist that includes every task that needs to be completed, right down to lighting the fire and turning on the music.Tackle touch-ups around the house. Scan your surroundings for scuffed paint, busted porch lights, fraying rugs and other signs of wear and tear. Either fix them yourself or call in professional help. Don’t get too ambitious (this isn’t the time to remodel the powder room), but hosting a get-together gives you a great reason to tackle the small jobs that seem to pile up.