If you're hosting a party for adults, then the #1 rule is that you absolutely can't run out of drinks. Of course, you can always have a sober guest make a trip to the liquor store, but if you really want to have a successful party, then you should make sure there is more than enough food and drinks for everyone. Make sure to have different types of alcohol and many snacking options so that there is something for each one of your guests. If you're planning on serving dinner at your party, make this clear so your guests come with their appetites in tow. If you're just planning on having snacks, then you should make this clear, too, so your guests know that they should eat in advance. It's important to have enough to drink because your guests will be more likely to leave and see that things are winding down if you run out of alcohol. Always get at least 25% drinks than you think you'll reasonably need; you can always have the rest later or send guests home with a bottle of wine. Try to have a more food than you think everyone will eat. Have a few extra less perishable items, such as chips, so you can save them if the guests don't get to them. As you clean your home and prepare for your party, you should make sure the environment is set up so that your guests can comfortably mingle, hang out, and feel relaxed. This means having plenty of seating space, coasters for people to place their drinks down on, and trying to arrange the furniture so the room is as open as possible so people don't segregate themselves into little clusters. You should also create enough warm, soft lighting so that the guests can see each other and not feel sleepy, but you don't need too many glaring bright lights or your guests may not feel so comfortable. Make sure you set your room to a reasonable temperature and that you ask your guests whether they are hot or cold throughout the night. If it's fall, the holiday time, or another festive time, then you can leave little festive touches around your home for your guests. If you'd like to play it safe, you can leave a few conversational pieces out around your home so your guests have something to talk about if the conversation gets stale. You can leave out a collection of your musical albums, a photo album, or some souvenirs you got on a recent trip. Just a few eye-catching objects will give your guests something to ask you about or to talk about. Creating a unique appetizer or making a mixed drink your guests have never had before will also give them something to talk about. Though you can't ensure that everyone will get along, if you want to host a successful party, then you should try to invite guests who have similar temperaments or who share at least some of the same interests. Though it's great to have completely different people together in the same room and to have them mingle and have fascinating conversations, you should make sure not to have too many "problem" people together in the same room or you may have some trouble on your hands. Plus, knowing that your guests will generally get along will make you feel less stressed out when the time of the party comes. If you want to be a successful hostess, then you should tell your guests when the party is, where the party is, and what they need to or don't need to bring. You don't want them showing up empty-handed to a potluck or bringing a ton of beer when you already have two mini-kegs. Let them know all of the particulars of your party at least a week in advance. If they don't already have your phone number, make sure you give it to them so they can call you if they have questions or if they get lost. If you're throwing a theme party or want the party to be elegant, make sure the guests have at least a week or two to prepare a suitable outfit. You should start preparing your drinks and snacks at least an hour earlier than you think it'll take for you to get everything done. Though you don't want to leave that guacamole out an extra hour or two, you should prepare as many of the foods and drinks as you can well in advance so your guests don't arrive when you've only started baking that pumpkin pie. Being ready when those first guests arrive can help you feel more in the zone when it comes to hosting a good party. That said, you can leave some easy tasks until last minute in the kitchen. These can be great for guests who are more shy who want to help you out. If you're hosting a big party, don't be ashamed to ask a friend for help. It can be more fun to get your home party-ready with a buddy.
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One-sentence summary -- Have plenty of food and drinks for everyone. Create a warm and welcoming space. Leave out a few conversational pieces. Make sure your guests will get along for the most part. Give your guests all of the information they need in advance. Start preparing well in advance.

Birds can carry a lot of gross diseases, so it's important to protect yourself even when you're trying to help the bird. Never pick up a wild bird with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves and wash your hands immediately after handling the bird. You should wear gloves even if it is a domestic pet bird that is injured, as hurt birds may be frantic and lash out at you if they are feeling vulnerable and in pain. It's best to use thick canvas or cloth gloves like those used in gardening. These will be the most effective in protecting you from the bird's beak and claws, as well as from any potential diseases the bird might be carrying. If you don't have any gloves handy, try using a towel to pick up the bird. If the injured bird is a large bird of prey, you are best off not handling it at all. Instead, call the animal control or a bird rescue organization in your area. Even small birds have sharp beaks and talons. Whenever you are handling an injured bird, always keep it away from your face to protect yourself. Even your own pet bird might snap at you if it is hurt and feeling scared. A bird with a broken wing will likely feel more vulnerable and might lash out at you with its beak or claws. An injured bird will typically be too scared to eat or drink. You should try to take quick action to get the bird the help it needs, so you shouldn't need to provide it with food or water in the short time the bird is in your care. It's easy for an injured bird to choke on water when it is force-fed. Don't do this.
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One-sentence summary -- Wear gloves when handling the bird. Avoid putting the bird too close to your face. Refrain from giving the bird food or water.

Mix two to three tablespoons (15 to 45 ml) of a mild soap or detergent into the water. Mix the water and soap together until they are well-combined. Alternatively, you can purchase a specially formulated limestone cleaner from your local hardware store to clean your limestone fireplace. Do not use soap that contains ammonia, vinegar, bleach, acids and other harsh chemicals commonly found in household cleaners to clean your limestone. Squeeze out any excess water. Starting from the top, begin to wipe down your fireplace. Cover the whole surface with the solution. Then let the solution set for one to two minutes. Alternatively, you can use a soft sponge, like the sponges used to wash cars, to clean the limestone. After the solution has finished setting, dip your cloth in the solution and wipe down your fireplace again. Use more pressure this time to remove visible dirt and debris. You may use a very soft bristle brush or toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt, as well as dirt from small crevices. Pour the soap solution out and refill the bucket with clean water. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the water, and squeeze out any excess water. Then wipe your fireplace from the top down until all the soap, dirt, and debris are removed. Make sure to rewet your cloth in between wipes for a thorough clean. Or use a dry, microfiber cloth to dry your fireplace. Wipe your fireplace down with the clean cloth until it is completely dry.
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One-sentence summary --
Fill a bucket with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the water. Wipe down your fireplace. Rinse with water. Let the limestone air dry.