Have you ever decided to host a party and then the day arrives and you think what the…? And also why…
This happens to me almost every single time I’ve planned a party. I concoct some lightly-themed shindig that seems like such a good and clever idea and then as it gets closer I keep thinking about the tempting alternatives; like ordering pizza and putting on my in-the-house-only pants. Or getting a violent stomach flu. Or throwing myself off a cliff. So many choices.
The other thing that happens almost every single time is that once the party actually starts I have a blast and I don’t even think about my in-the-house-only pants. Not even once!
My hesitation with hosting isn’t the small talk; I have been writing books and giving keynotes on the topic for years. My hesitation stems from a busy travel and writing schedule, a family that is growing with in-laws and grandchildren, and the fact that I need some downtime to recharge in my aforementioned pants.
Yet, I have learned over the years that other hosts question their party plans because of the actual hosting part. This comes easy for me because I sort of can’t stop small-talking and making introductions and taking coats and pouring wine. But for the hosts out there who are gearing up for a holiday soiree, here are a few easy tips to get the party started:
I’m so happy to see you! We’ve got a space for coats and purses in the study and there are a few kids playing poker in the basement. (Or Connect Four or Chutes and Ladders. Let’s not judge.)
The bar is stocked with wine and beer and soft drinks! There’s a group gathered around the firepit in the backyard – let me get a drink for you and then I can show you the way.
Beth, I’d like you to meet George. George lives next-door and just adopted a rescue puppy. George, Beth is one of the top vets in the area.
Judy, this is my dear friend Kevin. He just returned from Sweden last week!
Margaret, would you mind shuffling the cards for the kids’ poker game?
Steve made the spinach appetizer and insists it’s better than my mini-quiches – we are taking a vote and the winner gets a reprieve from dish duty tonight.
Thank you and goodnight.