I sometimes read articles on entertaining just for laughs. I am amused by glossy pictures of attractive guests standing around like well dressed mannequins admiring the elaborate table décor while munching on appetizers that took longer to make than the party will actually last. I often imagine the hostess of this entertaining fantasy is not in the picture because she is passed out on the couch from exhaustion.
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How about having a party where the overworked hostess is not forced to use psychic like abilities to try to predict what her guests would enjoy food and entertainment wise? Let your guests feed and entertain themselves by having a “My Favorite Things Party”. On the invitation make it clear that the guest is expected to be responsible for bringing three things including a favorite food, one of their favorite things, and a few brochures from their favorite destination.
Where the invitation requests bringing a favorite food be clear as to whether you are requesting appetizers or heavier main course type dishes and mention how many people are expected at the party. If the dishes people offer to bring tend to be convenience store cuisine like Twinkies and Coke it will be up to you as the hostess to balance out the menu. A balanced menu includes both sweet and salty dishes, some healthy dishes and some downright decadent dishes complemented by a variety of drinks.
A favorite thing can be just about anything portable as long as it’s not a pet. If you wanted Rover at your party you would have invited the little yapper. Some ideas for favorites things would be a favorite book, wear a favorite piece of clothing or bring a favorite game. A small portable game that can be played in a reasonably short period of time and is easy for guests to learn quickly would be ideal. This is not the time to break out the chess set.
Music also counts as a favorite thing. Encourage guests to bring a CD of their favorite music if it enhances the upbeat mood you are trying to create. Upbeat instrumental tunes yes, screaming heavy metal music, no.
Favorite places might include favorite restaurants, shopping destinations, or vacation spots. If the guest doesn’t have brochure from their favorite place handy they can always print off information from the website for their favorite place.
After most or all of the guests have arrived and had a chance to eat and chat a little, gather everyone around to sit in a circle for the “My Favorite Things” group discussion. Everyone takes turns briefly talking about the favorite thing they brought and their favorite destination. After the group discussion is over serve another round of drinks, set up a game table (set up your own favorite games if no one else brought one) and put the destination brochures on another table . It’s now a little easier for guests to mingle now that they know a little more about each other. By having guests bring things that give them pleasure it directs the conversation toward pleasant topics instead of conversations that deteriorate into group therapy mode with guest recounting their latest personal crisis or describing the gory details of their most recent medical procedure in detail.
This is one party everyone should enjoy because it’s all about them and what makes them happy. The guest are doing most of the entertaining related work so this in turn allows the hostess to do one of her favorite things, have fun!