Online: Getting Social

Planning a summer shindig? From firming up a date to sending out invites, these event-planning sites will help you get the party started.

MyPunchbowl (mypunchbowl.com). Before you dole out invites, send a Pick-a-Date e-mail that presents guests with several options. Designate certain invitees as VIPs and the site prioritizes their responses as it calculates which date works best for the gang.

Socializr (socializr.com). This tool integrates info from networking sites like MySpace and Friendster into your profile, as well as posts from your blog and photos and videos from Flickr and YouTube. Socializr also provides the tools needed to promote an event on your other sites.

Renkoo (renkoo.com). Geared toward intimate gatherings, Renkoo lets you pick from different events, such as cocktails, dinner or game night. You can set a date or let people vote on the best time. You can also host a discussion in the site's chat interface, or look for suggestions on places to go. Notifications can even be sent to your IM program or cell phone so you can be ready to party 24/7.

—Cathy Lu

© 2007