Tips for De-stressing Holiday Parties
The simplest way to make certain that your holiday parties will be both successful and relaxing is to approach them with the same organizational skills used for effective holiday shopping.
1. Plan the menu, the further in advance the better. Try to include foods that can be assembled or even cooked in advance. And remember, buffets are easier to manage - and often more fun for both hostess and guests - than sit-down dinners. Mingling by the buffet table is a good ice-breaker, too.
2. Make a shopping list. Divide it into things that can be purchased well in advance (maybe while they are on sale), such as paper goods, crackers, beverages and baking supplies, and things that need to be purchased just before using.
3. Start preparations early. Make salad dressings, desserts and dips a day or two ahead of time so that your kitchen will be uncluttered when you do the last-minute dishes.
4. Accept friends' offers to help set up or provide an appetizer or dessert.
5. Enlist some help. Hire a teenager to waiter to help set up and clean up. This might even be a good chance for one of your own children to earn some extra holiday allowance.
6. Think about what matters and concentrate on that. If you're having a holiday dinner, concentrate on the food instead of in-depth cleaning. No one is going to be looking under the couch anyway.
7. Try to take a bit of time before guests arrive to
relax and unwind. If you're able, you might even take a nap.
Finally, make a solemn vow to yourself to enjoy your own event. Spend time with your friends and family instead of fretting over details. After all, you - as well as your fantastic canapés - are one of the main reasons they came.
