The Art of Entertaining: Setting Yourself Up For Success (November Challenge Day #20)

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I think something that many host/hostess's seem to forget is that their dinner party is for them just as much as it is for their guests.  I cannot tell you the times over the years where I have poured so much effort into a party only to be so exhausted by the time the guests showed up that I couldn't wait for them to leave.  From personal experience I can tell you that is no way to go into an evening of being in charge of entertaining.  To make sure this doesn't happen, here are some tips to set yourself up for the best success.

First, do as much as you can weeks and days in advance.  Life still happens when you are planning a party so make sure you do all you can when you have the time.  For example, if you know you are going to have centerpieces, make them the week before.  Iron those cloth napkins the minute they come out of the washer so they are ready to go whenever you entertain again.  Finish up any house improvements/ projects a few days ahead of time.  If you are making food, make as much as you can ahead of time, freeze what you can, and prep almost everything at least the day before.  It just makes your life so much easier.  If you can eliminate any cooking the day of, other than pulling something out of the oven once the guests get there, you will be 100x more relaxed and able to cheerfully welcome your guests.  Guests want to chat with you when they get to your home and if you're anything like me, I have a hard time focusing on them and making sure I don't burn the rolls at the same time.  

Second, ask your guests to contribute.  Most people I have over always ask if they can bring something.  Sometimes I tell them not to worry about it, especially if I have some specific recipes I want to try.  But other times their offer is a welcome relief for me and it makes them feel good as well.  Everyone loves to have their cooking raved about so by asking them to bring something you are giving them a chance to showcase their talents and even to pick up a new yummy recipe for future parties you may have.

Third, hire help where and when you can.  A few years ago I threw a party and got the bright idea to have some ladies come clean my house before hand.  If anything makes me exhausted by the time a party rolls around it's the house cleaning, because there is ALWAYS something else that can be cleaned.  By doing this I freed myself to focus on other things and relax about the way my house looked.  It is some of the best money I have ever spent when throwing a party.  Worth every scent.

Fourth, have all dishes, serving utensils, beverages, etc. laid out and ready to go hours before you start. This will eliminate any unnecessary running around when the party is under way.

Fifth, and probably the most important, really, really, REALLY just relax and let the small stuff go once the party is underway.  You will always forget something, or something will not be "just so", but chances are, you will be the only one who notices.  The great thing is that your guests don't know what your ultimate vision was so if you act like everything is cool, they will think it's just perfect and will walk away thinking you had everything together and under control.

Have you done anything that has made a huge difference in making a party go more smoothly?  I'd love to hear your successes AND failures.  Either leave a comment below or one on my Facebook page.

Have a fabulous weekend!!  Tomorrow I will be sharing some of my favorite party decor finds so make sure to check back!

Happy Friday!  

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