At our house, we like any reason to get together and throw a party but putting on a party for a family like ours (5 generations) or any family for that matter can be exhausting. I’ve learned a few things over the years and I thought I would share some of the party hacks I use on days when you just don’t have the time.

So here we go:

Don’t cook!

Now, here’s the deal. I come from a family of great cooks who can cook just about any dish with their eyes closed but sometimes a good old catered meal does the trick. I know, catering costs money, but if everyone pitches in, it’s not too bad. Think about it this way, if you went to a restaurant, it would cost a lot more so just tell all the dads in the family that you are saving them money by having at your house. We have a lady at our church who cooks for others so I gave her a call. This year she did a large chicken fettucine, a large shrimp fettucine, and a meat- free one. She also did two large salads, one with strawberries, a corn casserole, and French bread. For dessert, we had strawberry shortcake and bread pudding. It was delicious! I even had enough left over to send food home with some folks who had family who couldn’t attend.

Don’t wash!

Pick out some sturdy and cute paper plates, plastic cups, plastic forks and knives and plastic tablecloths. Done! Just throw it all away and don’t feel guilty.

Don’t over-decorate!

I love for my house to reflect the holiday we are celebrating, but I like to keep it simple, so I go to the wholesale florist nearby and buy bunches of seasonal flowers for a little over $20.00, then I put them in large mason jars. (I keep mason jars to use for vases in my pantry.) Another fun idea is to add quotes with chalk on black cardstock and stick them in each of the flower arrangements. This gave guests something to read and talk about at each table. I dug around in my drawers and found some tulle to tie in a bow around the jars and that was that!

Don’t have too many choices!

Keep the menu simple. I already told you the food menu, but keep the drink selection simple too. I gave up having ten selections of soft drinks years ago. Now, I serve store-bought sweet and unsweet tea, lemonade that I make, and water. (And don’t worry about water bottles. If your water is good, serve it in a pitcher with some lemons.) I do put the drinks in cute serving containers, but that’s it. Keep it simple, that’s the key.

Don’t do it all!

This is so hard for me, because I am a “do it all” person. It’s in my nature to protest help, but I don’t do it! Let those who wan to help HELP:)  Remember when we let others help we show them how to graciously accept help themselves. I have to remind myself not to rob others of the gift of giving.

That’s it! I hope it helps you the next time you have a party or just when you’re having any company. In today’s busy world, having someone over for dinner isn’t happening like it used to. Maybe it’s time we get back to inviting the neighbors over.