Entertaining at home is a great way to see old friends, make new ones, and save money at the same time! Many of us are afraid and for good reason of having people over to our homes. Yes it requires a bit of work, but it is sooooo worth it in the end. In this article I will show you great ways to bring smiles to the faces you love to see, save money doing it, the benefits of doing it often, and how it can work in your favor.
Number one reason for not having folks over is a clean house! Well that’sno excuse, get up and clean it! If its been awhile you may need to hire some help, but it is a good thing to spend a few bucks and some time on. If you can get the Kids involved its a great way to instill pride and teach responsibility. Our home speaks volumes about us, not its size or its decor, but more its cleanliness, and TRUST ME, you will fee so much better! Organization will set you free, and simplify your life so the benefits are at-least 2 fold. Once its done it is much easier to maintain.
For those of us who do it often we know the benefits of planning ahead. Enlisting friends is always a great way to be sure they attend, give them a task to help out. Someone can bring the Ice for example, if you know a florist have them help with the centerpiece, ask someone to bring dessert. Well you get the Idea. If it is a business owner, like the florist, it is a great way for them to show wares and drum up new business. In todays world networking is a must! Highlight them in conversation with other guest, trust me, it works out for all of us.
Know the menu, work with a theme, and keep it simple. Remember you want to have fun too! Things that can be made ahead are great and same money! For instance: Steaks are on sale, buy one extra cut into bite sized pieces quickly sear it off and after to-nights dinner take a sliced mushroom and place it on top wrap in Puff Pastry, and keep for later in the freezer. One steak depending on size can make 20 mini-Beef Wellington appetizers. Having crab cakes tonight well the mess is made so make 20 bite-size for a party later. Buy ahead, save money by hitting the sales, and for Gods sake find a Dollar Store in your area that offers Crackers, Chips, and the like. Did you know a pakage of chicken tenders, a can of pineapple chunks and some bell pepper make a great Ka-Bob, see think smart, save money, be creative! By the way these freezeas well. Never be afraid to incorporate store ready items into your menu, but use them in a creative way.
Now for the plates and service pieces: Disposable is fine for outdoor, but for in house, there are many option. Friends may have what you need, but ALWAYS return the favor! Dollar Stores offer another inexpensive options, and then you build your inventory! Be smart buy universal wine glasses, solid color plates [White is always a good choice], washable napkins can be purchased or made if your creative. Serving trays are always a good investment try resale shops garage sales, or the Goodwill Store [ I have collected some very nice silver trays], Baskets are always great and can be used outdoors as well. Table coverings are a fantastic way to theme a table, hit the fabric store! Hit the sale table, matching napkins are great and make it all so more professional looking! If possible borrow an extra Grill from a neighbor, Ice chest, or use their refrigerator, just return the favor, and return items borrowed CLEAN! If its a Gas Grill replace the fuel used.
If you must, or need to use things like silver ware, Rental is always an option. This is always a way to save when entertaining alot of people or the items used are not a good investment choice, ie. Chaffers, Tents, Large Coolers, Bars, Chairs, Tables, Table Coverings and Skirting, etc. Be sure someone is there to accept the delivery, and watch them pick up as well. You WILL BE CHARGED for missing items!
Another way to SAVE BIG MONEY is a theme drink selection. For example: Mexican= Beer, Margaritas, or Sangria
: Asian= Tea, Plum Wine, & Fruit Drinks
: Polynesian= Pineapple Cocktail, White Wine Spritzers
: Bar-BQ= Beer, Crisp Whiet Wine [ Vigioner is always a great choice]
Always have bottled water, cold drinks, and options for non-drinkers. Never allow under age drinking even if the parents say it is ok, your Homeowners Ins. will not cover any accidents, and the Law will hold you responsible!
A party is to be fun for all, so be a good host! Drunk or rude guest must LEAVE! Children must behave or be taken home! Babies and Toddlers should aways be considered, they don’t take heat well if outdoors, and should never be part of a pool party! The Elderly should be considered as well, some have special needs, meeting them makes you stand out as a host. Even the BEST PET, can be agitated in large or unfamiliar surroundings, be a good owner and friend to them as well. Dirty Jokes, and Racist Remarks are never acceptable.
OK ,now we all had fun!, The party is winding down, oh yes, a great party has a beginning and an end. Some are 1 hour, others last 4-5 hours. Now its time to reorganize and clean up. Have people help, do a little throughout the event, keeping things neet will always make the cleaning easier. I often have a teenager or two, come in after the event and help. Girls can hep put the food away and do dishes, boys can take tables down, and the trash out, etc., they aways need a bit of cash in their pockets. Do Not Be Cheep!
I know it is old school but send invites, respond with an RSVP, or don’t go! Party crashers are RUDE!, and put a host in an awkward position. Just because your inviteddoes not mean bring all your friends and uninvited family, ask first! Offer your help to the host. Never take pets to another home, or expect others to love them like you do. Do your part to keep things clean during any event. Be responsible for your behavior, a drunk is never a welcomed guest. Be the Guest you would like to have at your event!
I have belonged to many groups that entertain, dinner clubs, picnic clubs, gourmet cooking clubs, I even belonged to a group that made homemade ice cream in the summer, & a few wine clubs. Each has brought me much happiness, and been a great way to network. If you have questions about entertaining just ask. And remember a friends laugh at one of your silly jokes, or the smile of a child when she sees the cake and the balloons, are the true treasures of our life! Hell even forgetting something in the oven and the disaster it causes can make a memory, but I don’t suggest it! Been there Done that….LOL!
Cameras are a great way to capture events, give a few to the guest and have FUN! Music should always add to the event, not dominate! Make enjoyable choices for everyone, and watch the volume!
