Advance Preparation

There are several things for the GM to do well in advance, before the
players arrive on the scene:
Prepare the adventure. If you are playing a prepared adventure, all
you need to do is read through it, and possibly make up some charac-
ter sheets. But if you are designing your own adventure, you may spend
weeks of work – a labor of love – before it is ready for the players. In
any event, be sure you’re fully familiar with the adventure before the
players show up!
Brief the players about the adventure. If your players are already
familiar with the system, you should tell them in advance (before they
arrive to start the game) what sort of characters are “legal” and how
much money, equipment, etc. they are allowed – and perhaps give a
hint about useful skills. If everyone has his character made up in
advance, you’ll be able to get right to the action when the players arrive.
Set up the play area. You need pencils, paper, and dice; maps and
miniatures if you are using them (and a table to play them on); and a
supply of snacks (for yourself, if not for the whole group)!