Stressless entertaining is fast becoming an oxymoron. With parties and social gatherings growing more and more elaborate, with everyone trying to outdo each other, hosting a get-together is a difficult task to undertake any time of year. Throw in some holiday chaos and it’s downright nerve-wracking.
Maybe in our eagerness to impress and bedazzle our guests, we’re missing the point entirely. Warm, relaxing, convivial social interaction should be our main concern when rolling out the welcome mat. Here are some strategies, excerpted from my new book “400 Ways to Stop Stress Now…and Forever!”, that will help you keep your eye on that objective.
Have small intimate get-togethers.
Big parties are expensive, time-consuming and a heck of a lot of work. Even if youre lucky enough to talk with everyone, it may only amount to brief, cursory snippets of conversation. A big bash can be fun, sure, if youre not the one throwing it. Smaller parties are easier to arrange, less work, less expensive, and leave lots of time to enjoy your guests, who feel more special, too. Entertain fewer people…more often.
Keep the menu...