How to organise pre-drinks before my birthday?

My 18th is coming up soon and I'm planning on going out with my friends. I want to have pre-drinks at my house but I'm not really sure what to do. I want it to be really fun, making our own drinks and stuff but I need some advice. What drinks should we have and do you guys know any drinks we could make ourselves? And also, how long before we go out should we start drinking? If anyone has any ideas it would be really helpful.