The Stress Free Way To Have Company…
Posted by: KarenLynnI used to be so intimidated to host any small group in my house, it does not matter whether it is a church small group or the scouts. I was raised to believe that one’s house should always be immaculate. Well for me at this point in my life that is just not realistic I work full time, I go to school part time, we have two children with a ton of activities and plus my husband and I have hobbies we pursue. We are trying to pack a lot in so here are my hard and fast rules for a fun time.
Keep it simple….other peoples lives are just as busy as yours and they are often just as thankful for a meal so they don’t have to prepare one at someone elses house. The meal does not have to be the latest recipe you just saw on the food network and you don’t have to serve a meal at all. My step mother in law is the master at entertaining and she keeps things simple she will place bread in a basket on the table the butter right next to it across from that she will have sliced tomatoes that she melted cheese on and sprinkled oregano. It all looks so italian and delicious. I like to put a big crockpot out of brunswick stew and french bread and everyone loves it, no one leaves hungry but I am also not out lots of cash either.
Ask for help….it is okay now adays to just say…oh by the way everyone is bringing an appetizer, or a dish. People love to show off there cooking and be admired! Or atleast I do!
Set the mood! More important than if your house is clean is does it smell good? Light some candles, make sure the bathroom, kitchen and the main room where people are going to be lingering are clean (NOT SPOTLESS!) and remember when it is dark outside people can’t see as much dust etc… Also it is okay to shut bedroom doors you don’t want them to peek in. Put out a bowl of popourri by the front door or some flowers from your garden on the coffee table. One arrangement I made was with floating azalea blossoms in my big glass bowl it looked very elegant.
End the meal with something simple yet memorable. I think people make too much out of desserts these days one choice is enough. If people don’t find it pleasing they just won’t partake now adays we can have dessert whenever we want. Some of my favorite choices in the summer is just a simple bowl of sherbert or angelfood cake with strawberries and whip cream.
Lastly let it go, let your worries about every little thing go or you won’t be able to have a good time. I remember when my dog smelled up the house and she left her black hair all over it and I would get so upset because I just couldn’t get the dog smell out well now I just miss her and wouldn’t mind the dog smell. So we have to remember our priorities and try not to get caught up in our worries and enjoy the time we have now with our family and friends.
So when are you having company?