I love parties and after this past weekend, I've decided that I should have more!
Hosting a party, whether it be a formal dinner party or an all-out raging house party, requires a lot of work. Being the stay-at-home domestic goddess that I am, 90% of that work falls on my shoulders. I can't complain too much because most of our parties are my idea to begin with! What can I say, I love a good party!
First, there's the menu. I love spoiling my guests with a buffet of good food, and I begin planning about two weeks prior to the party. I shop sales, visit the nearest discount wholesale club, and peruse recipes on the internet. I had help at my last party and one friend brought three huge trays of food, another friend brought chips and dip and my mother also made her famous 7-layer dip. It helps so much when friends offer to bring a dish!
Then there's decorating...don't spend a lot of time decorating unless it's a really special occasion - like my grandmother's 70's birthday party last year.
Then comes the real work! Our house is only 1500 sq ft, and that doesn't provide for a lot of room for guests. I typically set up chairs and tables outside (when it's not too hot) for additional seating and move our kitchen table to provide more floor space.
I go all out while cleaning. I clean the fridge and freezer. I get a vacuum cleaner hire and vacuum the sofas and chandeliers. I bleach the bathroom tiles. I wash the windows. I even sweep the front porch! I find a steam cleaner hire and clean the bedroom carpets. I feel more comfortable entertaining when I know my house is sparkling clean!
It's a lot of work, but it is SO worth it! I love to see my guests smiling, laughing, dancing...it makes it all worth while!
* While I was compensated for this post, all content was my own.
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