Hosting for the Holidays? How to Keep Your Sanity AND Make Your Guests Feel Extra Special
We’ve all been there, you arrive as a guest to be greeted by a frazzled host. Not yet ready to receive the onslaught of people, the stress and tension in the home is palpable and uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve been that host. I know I have.
As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve realized that having the table set, our home completely clean and the meal ready before the guests arrive is of little consequence. Guests will never remember any of that but they will remember feeling unwelcome by a stressed out host.
Here’s a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- List, shop, prepare, host. Do each of these on separate days to alleviate stress.
- Troll through recipes and make your shopping list several days in advance. Make separate lists for each store, and group items by grocery store isle. This saves huge amounts of time and reduces the likelihood of over-looking an item. Save even more time by grocery shopping online and getting your orders delivered.
- Do as much preparation the day before as possible. Prepare a day in advance any dish that can be refrigerated overnight.
- Don’t be a hero. Ask for help! Many guests genuinely want to help. Share the load and divvy up any small remaining tasks.
- Assign jobs to family members. Perhaps your kids can answer the door and take coats, maybe your significant other can pour drinks. Each of these simple gestures make your guests feel welcome and at home.
- Pace yourself. By allowing enough time to prepare, you reduce unwanted stress and prevent exhaustion.
- Keep your eye on the goal. Your desire is to create an inviting space for family and friends to enjoy together. With good planning, you’ll feel in control, relaxed and able to enjoy the Holiday.
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!
From all of us at The Organizing Professionals®