topic Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring? in Kitchen

Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

house_cat — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:38:23 GMT

I'm hosting a luncheon for five friends today. Lunch and brunch are my favorites. There will be six of us, including me. It sounded so simple, but turned out not to be. That's probably because I'm a fuss-budget when it comes to food.

I spent all day Monday cleaning.

I spent all day Tuesday shopping and cooking.

I'll spend all morning today doing last minute preparations and all afternoon hosting and all evening cleaning up.

I love to do it, but it always surprises me how much work is involved. When I had a young family, I hosted parties very frequently and didn't think twice about it.

I guess I'm just old.

Do you entertain often?

What's your favorite type of gathering to host?

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:49:19 GMT

Yes, and that's why my friends and I always meet at restaurants or coffee shops. If I go to someone else's house, it's usually because we're carpooling to the restaurant. On nice days/evenings, we'll go for a walk afterward if we want to continue chatting. No one has to clean, cook, and then clean again. Several of us moved out to Austin together on job transfers and we're all out here while our extended families are in other states. We used to all get together for a Thanksgiving potluck at one couple's house, but now we all go out to dinner on Thanksgiving.

Nearly every group I'm in, book clubs, knitting groups, political groups, etc., meets in public spaces. We also have a women's community center in town where many groups meet.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

Chrystaltree2 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:56:17 GMT

I love entertaining; I always loved it. Even when I was a kid, I enjoyed helping my mom and my nana prepare for family dinners and parties. When we had our big house and when the kids were home, we entertained fairly frequently. But we downsized a few years ago, the girls are off on their own now and I've been battling chronic pain. We have not done a lot of entertaining recently. However! I'm seeing a pain specialist and I'm feeling much better now, practically no pain at all. My energy is back, I feel stronger. So, I'm planning an indoor bbq for 8-10 people in two weeks and a luncheon for my girl friends sometime in September or October. I've never been one to make myself crazy or wear myself out when I host a gathering. I certainly don't feel that I must make everything from scratch and my house is always clean and in order. I don't have a perfect home, I don't know anyone who does. So, if it's "good enough for us", it's good enough for our guests. I like to enjoy my own gatherings and I like to spend time with my guests. I prefer doing brunches and luncheons. I generally do a buffet. As I said, I get as many prepared dishes as I can and then I have time to make my specialties. To be honest, I love decorating and setting up the tables more than anything else. Of course, I am married to the best guy on this planet, he always helps out. Whatever I need him to do, he does with smile on his face.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

aggravated — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:02:06 GMT

I have come to the same conclusion. We used to do all the holidays with family at our home. Entertain friends in large and small groups constantly. I just can't do it any more. The cleaning, shopping and cleaning up afterward is just too much. No more entertaining at my house if I had my way. Husband invited the neighbors for cocktails and swimming - he went shopping and prepared the outside setting because he knows how I feel about this. He's retired and I'm still working - that's all I can do these days energywise.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

Suzeecat — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:02:29 GMT

I love to entertain, but it is a lot of work. I like to look at the silver lining that I will clean more thoroughly for visitors than I do for just me, so it's a good excuse for deep cleaning.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

spent2much — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:11:24 GMT

No, it wasn't always this tiring for me. I used to host lots of family occasions... birthdays, holidays, etc. I'm 66 now with back, knee and foot issues. I get around, go grocery shopping, cook supper, do laundry, etc., but company? Just too much work. We only "entertain" now for our son and his family (daughter is in a different state).

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

spix — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:13:50 GMT

Not so much anymore, usually a BBQ or 2 during the Summer to keep in touch with old friends, & like many said quite often in a restaurant. Still have all the major Holidays which does wear me out, as you all know it's a lot of work (I'm one of those that has to make everything from scratch) so it's my own fault. Still I really love our neighborhood monthly Martini's & Pizza get togethers as it's no work, mix drinks, order pizza, coffee & dessert (usually home made) makes for a great relaxing evening.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

colliegirls — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:41:27 GMT

We used to entertain friends and have parties in our home often when we were younger but now we meet friends at a restaurant. I enjoy going out more and it is a lot less stress.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

peachesncream — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:03:56 GMT

I think it was always a ton of work to entertain. But when I was younger I didn't mind.

These days we tend to meet at restaurants. It's such a relief to just show up - and not have to stress out, plan, clean, cook, clean some more - and then recover!

We choose a place where it's possible to have conversation, and where you can linger over a meal. It's always a lot of fun.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

RedTop — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:09:28 GMT

I would have to answer your question with a YES. I do not now, nor have I ever liked to entertain. Even more, I do not like to be entertained----not a social person, and I know exactly why I feel that way. I grew up in a family where the preacher and his family were invited to Sunday dinner at least once a month. My grandmother taught Sunday School and the invites were always her idea. It was one thing when dinner was at her house; if my parents didn't want to go, we didn't go. However, my Mom was often pulled into the middle, which meant dinner was held at our house, and then there was no escaping the drama. My dad worked 6 days a week and Sunday was his only day at home. He preferred to enjoy the day in peace and quiet, not have a house full of people. My attitude about many things is exactly like my dads.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

chickenbutt — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:11:18 GMT

I used to entertain a lot, for many years, and really enjoyed it. I worked my butt off but it was great.

Now, however, I have some health challenges that would preclude it. Heck, I spend a month or so just trying to get mentally ready to do the Thanksgiving thing I do just for us. It's four days of hard work for me now, where I used to knock it out in one day.

Things change, I guess. A lot of things used to be much easier.

Time flies when you're gettin' old!

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

151949 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:16:11 GMT

I think it depends on who is coming. For immediately family and best old friends I don't have to put on airs and when the meal is over they jump in and help with clean up.

However, at my senior age now , I hate having people I need to put on airs for and make fuss over , then when they are gone I am stuck with a huge mess to tackle when I'm tired. I try very hard not to have that kind of company over to my home. I prefer to plan a restaurant meal, maybe with cocktails at home first.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

Mothertrucker — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:10:12 GMT

@151949 wrote:
I think it depends on who is coming. For immediately family and best old friends I don't have to put on airs and when the meal is over they jump in and help with clean up.
However, at my senior age now , I hate having people I need to put on airs for and make fuss over , then when they are gone I am stuck with a huge mess to tackle when I'm tired. I try very hard not to have that kind of company over to my home. I prefer to plan a restaurant meal, maybe with cocktails at home first.

I am not exactly sure who I would be entertaining that I would need to " put on airs" for.. Not even exactly sure what that means...

but to me, entertaining is something not done with paper towels instead of real napkins,....but maybe that is just me..

Obviously things like Super Bowl parties and BBQ are different than real "sit down" entertaining..I think it shows respect for your guests and friends to let them know you feel they are special, and worth making a "fuss" over, so to speak..it can still be casual, just special....

and yes, housecat it is work, it is and it always was, probably...we just may not have thought so when we were younger!

hope it was a huge success!

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

Reba055 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:48:04 GMT

It's definitely harder when you get older. I used to get up at 4 am and start Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd and not bat an eye. Now I have to start days ahead and it just about kills me, lol. Same with cleaning. I can remember working full time with kids and cleaning my whole house on Saturday morning and was such a fanatic I took everything out of the fridge and cleaned it too..every week! No wonder I'm crippled 😜

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

qualitygal — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 19:39:11 GMT

house_cat,

This Thanksgiving, I'm thinking the family gets to eat out. I totally!!! understand what you're saying. Welcome to my world. LOL

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

Goldenmoher — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 21:54:35 GMT

@house_cat, I love to entertain and did Thanksgiving for 10 or more for years. I too had some health issues and am older, so it is now harder. I did have a Memorial Day cookout , but that was easy. Next up, another Thanksgiving for 10! We will eat at home as most of my family is out of town, also they'll be staying here. I'm sure I'll be tired but it will be a good time. Christmas will be quieter!

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

homedecor1 — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:30:25 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
I'm hosting a luncheon for five friends today. Lunch and brunch are my favorites. There will be six of us, including me. It sounded so simple, but turned out not to be. That's probably because I'm a fuss-budget when it comes to food.

I spent all day Monday cleaning.
I spent all day Tuesday shopping and cooking.
I'll spend all morning today doing last minute preparations and all afternoon hosting and all evening cleaning up.
I love to do it, but it always surprises me how much work is involved. When I had a young family, I hosted parties very frequently and didn't think twice about it.
I guess I'm just old.

Do you entertain often?
What's your favorite type of gathering to host?

I think you have the same routine and feeling I do! I don't think it's age just takes a lot of time and energy! Although I enjoy holiday and special occasion entertaining.

I have cut back these past months for the reason you listed above. We have a group of 5 couples who get together once a month. We've been going out a great Italian restaurant which has great daily specials and we are thoroughly enjoying it and coming back to my/or others house for coffee and dessert (which we happily purchase at the great Italian bakery at the restaurant).

I'm sure your not alone in your feelings and I'm sure your luncheon was delicious and fun!

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

house_cat — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 03:06:32 GMT

Thanks for all the responses! I love hearing from all of you.

As it turns out, the luncheon was a success. I went out on a limb and invited someone outside of our usual group. She was a great conversationalist and everyone enjoyed themselves.

DH said, "I love when you have company, because the house gets cleaner than ever." Boy is he right!

Yes, it was a lot of work, but my friends are worth it. I'm glad I'm still able to do it once in a great while. I guess I just have to keep the gatherings small and far between.

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

feline groovy — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 04:38:49 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
I'm hosting a luncheon for five friends today. Lunch and brunch are my favorites. There will be six of us, including me. It sounded so simple, but turned out not to be. That's probably because I'm a fuss-budget when it comes to food.

I spent all day Monday cleaning.
I spent all day Tuesday shopping and cooking.
I'll spend all morning today doing last minute preparations and all afternoon hosting and all evening cleaning up.
I love to do it, but it always surprises me how much work is involved. When I had a young family, I hosted parties very frequently and didn't think twice about it.
I guess I'm just old.

Do you entertain often?
What's your favorite type of gathering to host?

How come you didn't bathe and groom the dog, plus brush or Furminate the cat??

Re: Was entertaining guests always this tiring?

feline groovy — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 04:26:45 GMT

@chickenbutt wrote:
I used to entertain a lot, for many years, and really enjoyed it. I worked my butt off but it was great.

Now, however, I have some health challenges that would preclude it. Heck, I spend a month or so just trying to get mentally ready to do the Thanksgiving thing I do just for us. It's four days of hard work for me now, where I used to knock it out in one day.

Things change, I guess. A lot of things used to be much easier.

Time flies when you're gettin' old!

I know! LOL

For some of us, it's the emotional/mental challenegs that are actually more stressing.

Of course (and I experience this daily as you do), the physical challenges aren't exactly a joy, heh.

My expression for the less-fun life stuff that occurs: "shihtt happens". 8)