People used to go to out for dinner and a movie on the weekends, but now it seems there are more and more home games occurring. If you are planning to host one, there are a lot of things that you need to plan for in advance. Following is a basic checklist of ideas that you may want to consider before starting the tournament clock. 

A Few Weeks Before 

• Decide how many poker tables you can acquire and set up, and how many people you can realistically seat comfortably
• Compile the invitation list. It is best to plan for the number of people you can seat, as some will decline invitation and others may want to bring a friend along
• Send out the invitations as early as possible. You have a much better chance of people attending when they have proper notice. Also, send out a reminder one week prior to the event

1-3 Days Prior

• Print out a sheet with the blind structure clearly detailed and post in the room
• Print out the rules that you will be following, and post in the room as well
• Set up the poker tables and chairs (or have guests bring their own chairs if required)
• Make sure you have enough decks of cards for each table, as well as a few extras
• Count out the starting chips for each player, and store each pile in its own container or zip-lock bag, along with a slip of paper indicating a table and seat number
• Have higher denomination chips ready for when you chip-up
• Decide on what food (if any) you will provide, and set up a table for this. Include room for napkins/paper towels, paper plates, plastic silverware and condiments if required
• Have a spare fridge or cooler available for drinks that your guests will bring with them
• Stock up on ice
• Buy several cases of bottled water. It is cheap, and should always be available to your guests
• Decide on several non-alcoholic drinks and purchase. Also, have plastic cups available
• If you are planning on playing music in the background, set up a stereo
• Go to the bank and get some small bills for change
• Plan to set up a side game for those who bust out early

Day of the Tournament

• Place a deck of cards and a dealer button on each table
• Set up buffet table with food if it is to be served
• Set out drinks
• Put out ashtrays (if smoking is allowed)
• When guests arrive state the house rules, blind structure and breaks
• Take care of all the buy-ins, recording who has paid on a sheet of paper
• Seperate the entry money into envelopes for each place that pays and lock it away if possible
• Start the game