If this is your first foray into the wild world of Oktoberfest party planning, get ready for a fun-filled ride! Oktoberfest parties are actually quite simple to put together-all you need is a boisterous beirgarten (beer garden), a stockpile of German beer (and beer steins) and plenty of belly-pleasing German food.

I. The Biergarten (Beer Garden)
Munich's Oktoberfest celebrations take place outdoors in a gigantic field populated with carnival rides, games and beer tents. The tents are humungous and are able to seat hundreds and hundreds of people at once. The crowds pack into their favorite tent and dedicate the afternoon and early evening to drinking, eating and general merry-making. Although it would be possible to rent a tent to set up your own Oktoberfest beer tent, there is no harm in bypassing a tent rental and going instead with a cozy backyard garden party (biergarten). Just imagine that your backyard is one of the bustling Munich tents and outfit it accordingly: Pull up an array of tables and chairs, place your barbeque in a wind-protected corner, and position your beer keg in an easy accessible area or put bottled beer into ice-filled chests. And because atmosphere is as important as food and drink, don't forget the music! Rig your stereo's speakers or a boom box so that the party will be carried along with boisterous traditional oompah music. And supply the words to various German folksongs for your guests to bellow into the night.

II. The Bier (Beer)
You can take your pick from a wide array of foamy and delicious beers. If you don't already have an absolute favorite German beer, why not stock up on a variety of specialty brews for a taste-test? Here's a crash course in the basic types of German beers to help you decide which ones you want for your own Oktoberfest:

Pilsner: Commonly called "Pils," this beer is bitter tasting and not extremely malty. Pilsners generate a lot of foam; so once you've poured a stein-full, allow the foam to turn into liquid before taking the first sip.

Bock: A strong beer that is very filling, bock is said to be the creation of monks who had little money for food and so sought a brewing technique that could make beer their main source of sustenance. Depending on the brew, bock can be either light or dark colored. Stock up on bock if you intend to go easy on party fare.

Weizenbier: This extremely light-tasting and light colored beer is made from wheat. But don't be fooled by the light color and taste, for this beer is heavy in alcoholic content.

Oktoberfest: By far the most popular beer for Oktoberfest celebrations, this type of brew was originally created especially for the festival! You cannot go wrong by stocking up on a variety Oktoberfest concoctions from different breweries!

III. The Feast
Bratwursts, grilled chicken, barbequed fish, and potato salad-these are the Oktoberfest food fundamentals and now you've got recipes for 'em all! Take your pick from these recipes for a fabulous feast for your own Oktoberfest: