I’m an introvert. But I’m also a wife, mother, and a generally nice person, so I’m expected to open my home to people. Especially in December. By March, I can get away with hibernating in solitude, but for now, I am expected to entertain. So over the years, I’ve figured out a few simple ways to make it a little less taxing.
#1. Delegate. Most of us have people we can ask for help. Children. Partners. Siblings. Parents. For some of us, the hard part is the asking. For others, the hard part is the letting go of control. But the thing is, if you ask someone for help, usually that someone is flattered. And if you let that person help, even if he or she does not do the bang-up job that you yourself would do, he or she will still probably do okay. It’s not like someone is going to complain that you allowed someone else to make the punch.
#2. Clean the day before. It took me far too long to learn this simple stress-reducing trick. No matter how much I clean, I still find myself cleaning some more five minutes before guests are expected to show up at my door. But I can at least get the big tasks done in advance, like 24 hours in advance. Then I tell the kids. Do. Not. Touch. Anything.
#3. Potluck. I know that potluck isn’t exactly high society, but most people love it. It’s a win-win. You are assured that you don’t have to provide all the food. Your guests are assured that there will be at least one thing at the party that they can eat. Even if your gathering isn’t for a complete meal, you can still ask people to bring snacks and beverages.
#4. Encourage finger foods. Whether your guests or you are doing the cooking, encourage finger foods. These use fewer dishes and are easier for the guests!
#5. Cook in advance. Break out the slow cooker if you have to. Choose foods that you can make in advance so you don’t have to worry about food burning in those final moments when you suddenly remember you need to wash the shower curtain. Say Mmm has a lot of recipe ideas if you need inspiration.
#6. Create a kid-zone. Then put the kids in it! Have a designated area that is unbreakable, or at least, less breakable than the rest of your house. Then you won’t be stressed out when someone else’s child is pouring juice on your carpet or chewing on your string of lights. I’ve also taken to hiring one older child to be in charge of the children for the course of the event. Saves me a lot of anxiety.
#7. Try to have fun. It’s hard to have fun at our own events, especially us introverts. But try anyway. Take a deep breath and try to enjoy the season!
Posted by Robin
