Friendly reminder: Don’t forget to enter the Kleenex Hand Towels giveaway.
I mentioned on Sunday that I was asked to share party details and preparation this week for Kleenex Hand Towels. So, here’s where I come clean – I haven’t done much in the way of preparations for the group of book club gals I’m hosting Monday.
I love to entertain and do it as often as I can. For larger, more formal gatherings (like Henry’s birthday or showers), I do lots of prep work – menu planning, shopping, decorations, favors … And I do it in advance. I’ll even do most of my decorating in advance to keep from stressing out.
But, I enjoy small get-togethers just as much (and sometimes more). And I typically don’t do much to prepare. I use what I have on hand for decor. I prepare food and drinks that are easy to make and serve. And I keep the house generally tidy before and my robot cleans the floors.
But, here are a few things I have been up to to get ready for my book club on Monday and keep it extra manageable …
Plan the spread.
Instead of serving a four-course dinner, I am putting together a nacho bar in my kitchen – buffet style. Chips, taco meat, cheese dip, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and olives. Yummo. And quick, because I’ll prep everything in the morning and put the meat and cheese dip in the crock pot. I’ll also mix up some sangria and sun tea for the girls and call it a day.
I asked guests to bring a dish to pass. I think this may be a regional thing, but it’s really common and expected in the Midwest. If you don’t ask, they’ll do it anyhow. But I think it’s is a fun and simple way to get everyone involved and have a more extensive spread.
Clean those key areas.
A neighbor once gave me the good advice to not clean BEFORE a party because the guests are just going to muck it up anyhow. So, I don’t scrub floors or clean windows. (Let’s be real. I do that, like, never anyhow.) Instead, I focus my efforts on things that will be noticed – clearing countertops and putting away toys and clutter. I also always spend time wiping down the bathroom.
This time, I added the Kleenex Hand Towels for guests, too. Honestly, the cleaning takes me no more than a whopping 25 minutes. Then, I’m totally party ready.
Go easy with the decor.
You never thought I’d say that, huh? I do love some over-the-top decor. But for this, I have the table set up and will add some fresh flowers on the day -of. I don’t want to go too crazy, since it’s all about the conversation anyhow.
I also add a little something something on the chalkboard to go with the book club theme. Because I’m crazy like that.
What do you do to prepare for a party?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
A nacho bar! What an excellent idea! Totally stealing that for our next girl’s night!
Kayla aka Kilo Bravo says
I think our book club now has a theme song!!! LOL cracked up when I saw the chalk board!
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I miss pitch-ins! I suggested to my Sunday School class that we have one and they had no idea what it was! Texas is great but there are just somethings I miss about the Midwest.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
I really only throw Ramona’s birthday party which you know how over the top a kid’s birthday can get, so there’s a ton of prep for month. Our annual Christmas party is less intense only because the decor is pretty much up for Christmas anyway. I only have to deal with food and drinks which can be daunting. I do clean the floors and windows though because it’s generally the only time they do get cleaned!
Brit [House Updated] says
I am hosting my book club group on Friday, and am totally stealing your chalkboard quote for my kitchen chalkboard. Yay for girls’ nights!