1. Fake it. A party or hosting Thanksgiving dinner is just for a few hours, so don’t feel like you have to clean and stage the entire house to perfection. Choose the areas you make available to guests and hide the rest! Stash paper stacks and laundry, close the doors to kids’ rooms, and don’t worry about cleaning closets and under sofas. Do scrub the bathroom guests will use, provide a soap dispenser (not the slimy bar), add a candle or flowers, clean towels and nice hand lotion.
Where will you put coats? Tidy up and make room in the coat closet, even if you have to take your coats off hangers and throw them on your bed temporarily. Putting coats on the master bed? Then you will need to dust off and straighten up your bedroom. Lock doors into off-limits rooms, particularly if the gathering is relatives or good friends – I found two friends having a heart-to-heart in the room I chose to hide everything at my last party! Use a moveable screen or chairs with a pretty ribbon across them to block access to hallways or other areas without a door.
Since I am not a cook, my favorite fake is to order food in advance, put it in my own dishes and heat right before guests arrive. I get to enjoy my own party and everyone eats better!
2. Decorate simply. Think large focal points. Purchase one kind of flower, in one color, in bulk, and make your own simple arrangements. Use kids’ artwork or photos from previous gatherings – they provide conversation pieces as well. Or cluster candles in groups, but be mindful of mixing too many different scented candles. Go for mostly unscented or one light scent. At this time of year, pinecones, qood quality artificial fall leaves, twig wreaths and dried seed pods make interesting decorations, as well. Keep table centerpieces low so guests can see and talk over them.
3. Involve guests. The hosts shouldn’t spend all their time in the kitchen, but should enjoy their guests. For smaller gatherings, include guests in the meal or dessert preparation. Ask guests to bring elements of the meal, particulary for make-your-own meals like fajita bar, chili or “stone soup” where each person brings an ingredient for a soup or stew without conferring with the others. Provide a little activity for an ice breaker and to get people in the holiday spirit. Have guests make their own placemat, ornament, or holiday decoration you later donate to a local hospital or charity. Decorate cookies or candy, or ask each guest to bring a dozen of their favorite holiday treat to share. But know your guests – if your friends don’t like to cook or get glue on their fingers, you will want a different idea. If you have a germ phobic in the crowd, inform them in advance of the communal cooking plan and suggest a food option that works for them.
4. No full bar. Don’t get stuck behind the bar all night. Set a side table or counter for self-serve and keep it simple, unless you hire a bartender. Red and white wine, and two nice beers are plenty for most parties and easier on the budget. For fun, prepare one or two signature cocktails in advance. Put them in pitchers and add ice just before guests arrive. Or pour in cocktail glasses and set out on trays. Again, keep the recipe simple and try it out before the night of your party. A simple and pretty drink is a kir royale – champagne and crème de casis or any fruity liquor. Make little lemon peel twist garnishes in advance. Be sure to serve some food when serving alchohol.
5. Party plates. Don’t have dinner service for 12? Love to cook but hate to clean up? Rent glasses and dishes. They match, look nice and you don’t have to wash them before you return them. Or, purchase festive heavy plastic or paper partyware. The plastic can go in the dishwasher to use again, but you can also just throw it away. Our family uses paper plates and napkins with real silverware for all our family gatherings, so no one is stuck in the kitchen after dinner. It has become fun to see what kind of crazy partyware each host presents.
Please share your favorite entertaining tips! Tips above came from 10 Quick Tips for Easy, Excellent Holiday Entertaining by Kelly DiNardo & Natalie Ermann Russell, and our own experience.
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