Fourth of July weekend is coming up and we’re having people over! I love entertaining and have learned some strategies for not getting stressed over the preparations.
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I do not have a cleaning marathon before company comes. I try hard to keep my house company ready at all times. That does not mean that my house is perfect. It absolutely isn’t. Years ago I heard a quote that I adopted as my philosophy: “I want my house clean enough to be healthy but dirty enough to be happy.” I try to keep things picked up and touched up so that it never takes much time to get the house in order. And when company comes, I assume they’re not there to inspect my house. And if they are, well maybe I won’t invite them back.
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I prepare my menu as early as possible (usually a week ahead) so I know exactly what I need to do and what I need to buy.
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I make a list of what needs done and when. I do as much as possible ahead of time.
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If I’m having a large group, I decide at least the day before how I will serve the food (family style or buffet style) and where everyone will be seated (wherever they can find a spot or at extra tables).
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The day of the party I start as early in the day as possible (and that’s not usually too early since I’m not a morning person), and again, get as much done ahead of time as possible.
By the time party time rolls around, I have everything under control, I’m not exhausted from being stressed and doing too much, and I get to enjoy the party, too. I hope your Fourth of July celebration is stress free and fun!!!
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