topic Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting. in Kitchen

Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

house_cat — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:40:33 GMT

My biggest tip is making lists.

I make lists for everything, but when I'm hosting I tend to go into overdrive. This is my current list, as my luncheon approaches. I guess many people would think it's a little nuts, but it keeps me from stressing and forgetting things.

If you wouldn't mind sharing, I'd love to know your tricks and tips for stress-free hosting.

Thank you.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Desertdi — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:45:30 GMT

Private room in restaurant

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

brandiwine — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:50:06 GMT

Plan ahead. Make a menu that you can prepare some things ahead of time. Don't get too complicated. Relax & enjoy. I like your lists.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

dex — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:50:21 GMT

I like to share the stress and have my guests bring a dish..we always do potlucks....usually with a theme.I always make sure garbage has been emptied,windows have been opened,floors vacuumed and bathroom has been sanitized.I set the table the day before so I can be sure that I like the way it looks.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Tricolor — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:01:01 GMT

I make lists and still stress out. Cook too much food and in the end everything works out.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

house_cat — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:04:33 GMT

I'm sorry, but I can't ❤️ your posts - for some reason the website keeps telling me that I "cannot be authenticated". I assure you, I'm authentic.

There's no one quite like me, lol.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

loriqvc — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:15:48 GMT

@house_cat - I'm totally with you on the lists—knowing ahead of time what you'll need when helps to prevent insanity and stress like nothing else. I'm a list maker by nature, but with event planning, lists are absolutely essential.

My runner-up hosting tip is to not feel obligated to make every single component from scratch; incorporating at least one or two things that are premade or from a mix simply makes your life easier and allows you to focus on the key/star features. And as a followup to that tip, don't apologize for anything you've made or done unless it is truly an inconvenience or problem for your guests (and few things qualify for such categorization). Take pride in your party and enjoy it! Not only will this make you feel better, but it will also provide your guests with an environment of ease, comfort, and fun.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

loriqvc — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:22:34 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
I'm sorry, but I can't ❤️ your posts - for some reason the website keeps telling me that I "cannot be authenticated". I assure you, I'm authentic.
There's no one quite like me, lol.

@house_cat - Just a couple of minutes ago when I was composing my reply above, the site kept popping up an "in progress" screen I've never seen before, and when I clicked the "POST" button, I got a notification to the effect that "the Community has moved" and I should "join the new Community." I had to sign in twice before my post went through, and even then it was only because the system saved my draft. I've also been seeing pink/red "Sorry, unable to complete the action you requested" banners appear even when I'm simply typing. I think someone must be tweaking the forums; hopefully things won't get worse!

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Zhills — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:24:05 GMT

@house_cat wrote, "Share your tips for stress-free hosting."

Is there really such a thing???

You seem to have everything in order.

Relax and enjoy!

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

phoenixbrd — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:41:45 GMT

@house_cat looks as if you are a professional planner. The only tip I might add is to incorporate on your plan sheet ...a few minutes of quiet time for yourself perhaps indulge in a soothing bath and select your clothes ahead of time. You want to feel refreshed not hurried or overworked and have a good time as I'm sure your guests will.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Alison Wonderland — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:47:12 GMT

Reservations

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Carmie — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:09:06 GMT

When I am hosting I am of the mindset that if I forget something or it doesn't get done, my guests will have no idea. They don't know my plans.

i just make sure that I have enough of and a variety of food and drinks for everyone. I always do and usually have way too much. I always offer for my guests to take some food home with them if they wish and supply containers.

My events are usually casual and not stressful for me at all.

i don't make lists, my memory is better. I tend to misplace the list and then I am sunk because I can't remember what was on my list...crazy, I know.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

on the bay — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:43:13 GMT

@house_cat =

Your lists are like my daughters

I'm sure your hosting will be wonderful and I'm inviting myself!

I just wanted to say I noticed you had basil on one of the lists and was just reading the thread about a recall of fresh basil. Here are more details-

(WLUK) -- The Food and Drug Administration has recalled basil exported by Siga logistics de RL de CV from Morelos, Mexico.

FDA officials say 132 got sick and four were hospitalized after being exposed to Cyclospora.

Wisconsin is one of the impacted states by the recall.

Other states include: CT,FL,GA,IA,MA,MN,NY,OH,RI and SC.

Restaurants in four states that were impacted: FL,MN, NY, OH

Consumers are asked to avoid basil from Mexico or are unsure where their basil is from.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:48:30 GMT

Do as much as possible the day before or earlier that same day. I am also surprised when I see people on TV just peeling the potatoes or frosting the cake when the guests arrive. Does that really happen in real life?

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

house_cat — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 19:25:21 GMT

@Peaches McPhee

Not in my life, that's for sure. I've told the story here before, that years ago we arrived for a birthday party at my SIL's home and the birthday cake was still in the oven.

Another thing that doesn't happen in my life - guests in my kitchen helping me chop, prep and cook. I know some people enjoy that, but I'm not one of them. It's not unusual to arrive at my brother's house for dinner, only to find he's still at the market buying ingredients. For me, THAT's the definition of stressful.

@on the bay

Thank you for the heads up 👍

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

homedecor1 — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 21:37:00 GMT

I used to entertain and host every special occassion for our families. Now, hardly have company - sad but true. My family is back home and no one here entertains -- they make reservations!

But, when I did, I always had a shopping list, prep list (many done day before, table settings done and day of always had my "list of cooking and times".

I enjoy entertaining so its not a big deal for me. It doesn't overwhelm me whether its a few or 30+. I find it relaxing and more fun than "reservations!"

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

AuntG — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 21:40:00 GMT

I host family and they are not fussy people so it's pretty stress free. Finding out who is attending and what dish they will bring is difficult. That's how casual they are.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

ECBG — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 21:42:55 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
@Peaches McPhee

Not in my life, that's for sure. I've told the story here before, that years ago we arrived for a birthday party at my SIL's home and the birthday cake was still in the oven.
Another thing that doesn't happen in my life - guests in my kitchen helping me chop, prep and cook. I know some people enjoy that, but I'm not one of them. It's not unusual to arrive at my brother's house for dinner, only to find he's still at the market buying ingredients. For me, THAT's the definition of stressful.

@on the bay

Thank you for the heads up 👍

@house_cat Oh! My goodness! I can't conceive of the rudeness you described! So sorry!

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

ECBG — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 21:52:26 GMT

I write a menu on one side of the paper. On the other side I write the ingredients placed in order of the grocery store.

I buy everything I can about a week ahead of time, fresh vegetables and other items the day before.

I make my dessert the day before and do any meal preprep I can while it's in the oven.

The table is set.

I write out a time line of preperation. (That way nothing misses getting cooked).

The day of, I have everything but pasta and bread ready about 2 hours before.

Company comes and I am with them, not the dishes!

@house_cat Works on a legal pad, and her plans look wonderful.

I prefer a clip board and typing paper for everything. I taught time management in my regular and advanced foods classes.

Re: Share your tips for stress-free hosting.

house_cat — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 22:39:09 GMT

@homedecor1 wrote:
I used to entertain and host every special occassion for our families. Now, hardly have company - sad but true. My family is back home and no one here entertains -- they make reservations!

But, when I did, I always had a shopping list, prep list (many done day before, table settings done and day of always had my "list of cooking and times".

I enjoy entertaining so its not a big deal for me. It doesn't overwhelm me whether its a few or 30+. I find it relaxing and more fun than "reservations!"

We had a huge family back east, and my house was the hub of it. I entertained a gazillion holidays, birthdays, barbeques, you name it. I have wonderful friends here on the west coast now, but perhaps because we're at a different stage in our lives, no one entertains. Ever. I missed it terribly. Restaurants are a nice treat, but there's nothing like having your home filled with your favorite people. So, I decided it would have to be me. I entertain often, everyone appreciates it and I think I reap the most benefits.