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Host a Party Just for the Heck of It
The house isn’t clean enough, there is nothing to serve or everyone’s schedules conflict.
These excuses shouldn’t prevent our good time. Let’s tackle each one.
Excuse #1: The house isn’t clean enough. This is time-honored. Generations before us clung to this one. Isn’t it a shame? How clean does the house really need to be, anyway?
Here’s what absolutely needs done: the dishes need washed, the bathroom needs swiped and party areas need tidied a smidge. Shut the doors to off-limit rooms.
If you have a project going in the dining room, just leave it there and say, “Yeah, I’ve been organizing my oil paints,” or “My oldest is heading to college and stashing stuff in here,” or “I’ve been going through all the papers in the house.” You’re entitled to a life. It’s your house and you’re busy. Who isn’t? If the mess really bothers you, throw it all in a big box, put it in the bedroom and shut the door.
When a home is filled with people, it’s difficult to notice how clean (or not) it is. More attention is paid to conversations, food and friends!
Excuse #2: We don’t have anything to serve. Well, maybe there is nothing prepared to impress the Queen; but unless royalty is expected, don’t worry about it. Your friends will be thankful you are hosting their fun time. They won’t care whether you serve tortilla chips and salsa rather than peach flambé.
Set the party after dinner time and ask everyone to bring a snack. There is guaranteed to be a lot of food. Also, there is no pressure from hungry people since everyone should have already eaten dinner. As host, you can provide a snack, too, and maybe drinks. All that is required is a trip to the store on the way home from work. No need to get stressed about serving food.
Excuse #3: Everyone’s schedules conflict. People are scheduled to the hilt. It’s just a fact of life. Unless you are aiming for an especially intimate evening, one or two people not showing won’t make much difference. Don’t wait for 100% attendance. Have pity on those who couldn’t make it. They missed some essential play time. Sometimes, fun is more important than whatever else is on the calendar.
Ironically, during these days of striving for the perfect home, career and body, the key to having more good times is actually lowering our standards. Once someone invites friends inside their lived-in home, it becomes easier on the next host. If party-goers are served ice cream sandwiches and coffee, they will be less stressed about a party menu when they invite everyone to their home. And when the busy people hear about the good time they missed, they just might be able to pencil in some fun.
Party on. No matter what!
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When at a party, someone always says, “We should do this more often.” But, it seems like months or even years pass before the next get-together.
There are a few reasons to put off having a party. |
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Balloons are available in colors to coordinate with any party. |