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Information Library
Entertaining with Ease
To entertain with ease, follow these holiday how-tos. You’ll find yourself part of the party—and having a jolly old time.
- It starts with the invite. If you’re sending invitations, include directions. This measure will cut back on those calls coming in as your soiree starts, freeing you up for making last-minute touches and mingling with guests.
- Make a to-do list. Several days before the party, plot on paper everything you have to do. Can you accomplish any tasks in advance (such as baking brownies, making favors, and decorating)? Take care of these items, then check them off (this visual reassuring). In addition, advance planning will keep you from forgetting vital tasks during the harried pre-party hours.
- Stock up. Purchase nonperishables (including canned goods, cocktail napkins, candles, film, and toilet tissue) before the day of the party. That way, when the clock is ticking, you can breeze through your market’s express checkout line with your handful of fresh goods.
- Use the deep-freeze. Some types of cookie dough can be pre-made and frozen. Consult your cookbooks for crowd-pleasers that afford your this time-saving option.
- Create a decorating detail. Everyone loves to hang garland and trim the tree. Enlist family and friends to aid in this endeavor, and you’ll be surprised how fast it’s finished.
- Get (and accept) help! When someone offers to bring something—be it wine or pumpkin pie—say yes! Family and friends are more than willing to do their part. (However, be sure to assign specific items to avoid duplication.)
- Call in the pros. Budget allowing, you may wish to hire a cleaning service to give the house a good scrubbing. This will allow you to focus on such time-sensitive tasks such as baking and gift-wrapping. If this is not a possibility, concentrate on very visible areas—and save the nooks and crannies for after the party.
- Stain-proof your home. Worried about spills? Treat your couches and rugs with protective sprays that keep stains from setting up permanent residence. Or have club soda on hand for any incidents.
- Get pampered. Does getting a massage seem inconceivable? Those 60 minutes spent in the hands of a professional healer can give you the necessary relaxation benefits to handle any possible calamity—even a burned batch of cookies!
- Work in a workout. Endorphin-stimulating exercise can up your productivity and boost your ability to handle the season’s inevitable stress load. Take time out for your stair workout or to take a walk, all the while listening to holiday tunes.
Country Living, December 2001 issue, Volume 24 Number 12, page 112
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Updated June 23, 2008
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