It’s party time! Perhaps you’re getting ready to host a graduation party or summer picnic?
Every year, we host our annual holiday party in December. 75+ people attend each year. It’s our labor of love for the holiday season. This year, we celebrate our 24th year. Suffice it to say, we learned a few things along the way.
But you can apply these suggestions to ANU party.
Keep It Simple
No surprise, we simplified. We do less. In years past, party preparations consumed days and I scrambled right up until the last hour. No more. I completed my decorating in a few hours last week!
Many rooms in our home used to require a significant amount of decluttering and rearranging. I had to create a pathway for guests through our maze of possessions.
Tables and counters had to be cleared of “stuff.” Then, the items boxed and stored in the closet.
Why didn’t I just pass those on to GoodWill?
Minimalist homes are always ready to entertain.
If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Try And Fix It
For many years, my husband researched new recipes and started planning the menu with a blank canvas. But returning guests always missed their favorite items. With this feedback in mind, he set a classic heavy appetizer menu and added one or two new items each year. And we serve the same wine which everyone loves.
Now, the grocery list can be re-used. Quantities and budget forecasted with ease. We also record lessons learned and quantity adjustments for the following year. I especially love that these “table tents” can be reprinted and re-used.
Plan Ahead
To be fair, we host a lot of people. And I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you it’s a lot of work. But even in the chaos, I cannot imagine Christmas without “the party.” Not having it during the COVID years was hard. That said, my husband and I agree, when it stops being fun, we will stop.
Are you wondering how we made it to Year 24?
7 Secrets To Success:
#1 Shop Early
Buy Beer, Wine, and Paper Products several weeks in advance. I prefer to handle this bulky, labor-intensive shopping trip two weeks in advance. Inevitably, last-minute errands arise for forgotten items. So dealing with the non-perishables ahead of time is a huge time saver. During my weekly shopping trip, I stock up on cooking staples like onions, garlic, butter, olive oil, mayonnaise, etc.
#2 Separate Food, Drinks, and Desserts
If you’re hosting a large group, it helps to get people moving about the house by separating food and drink offerings. Wine in the basement. Beer on the patio. Food in the dining room. Coffee and Desserts in the office. Coats upstairs. Once we landed on this perfect configuration, our guests knew what to expect each year.
#3 Borrow Everything
By now, you know that I love to borrow instead of buy. We borrow 60 wine glasses. Our generous neighbors also offer help with folding chairs, tables, serving platters, and even trash cans. They know I’ll return the favor anytime!
#4 Hire Help
Budget for and hire help in the kitchen. Enjoy your party! Sit down and talk to people. Spare your family from doing dishes at midnight. When the last guest leaves, turn out the lights and go to bed!
#5 Get Ready Early
I get ready 2 hours before the party starts. Do any outside work or messy jobs early in the day before you change into your party outfit. I also eat before the guests arrive and keep my water bottle handy. I’m happier and healthier and enjoy the party more.
#6 Be Content
At some point, I throw away the To-Do list. What’s done is done. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good! Your guests will never know what didn’t get done.
#7 Party With A Purpose
Be a blessing with your celebration. Years ago, friends alerted us to a family in need right before our party. They suggested that we ask for gift cards in lieu of a hostess gift. No one needs 100 bottles of wine, certainly not us.
What party are you planning?
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