Was entertaining guests always this tiring? - Page 2

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

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!

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Mothertrucker · ‎01-30-2015

@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!

Reba055 · ‎06-23-2014

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 😜

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

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

Goldenmoher · ‎12-17-2012

@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!

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

@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!

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

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.

~ house cat ~

feline groovy · ‎07-29-2014

@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??

feline groovy · ‎07-29-2014

@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!