The Fine Art of Entertaining

This post is not about what type of silverware to use or what kind of fancy food to serve.I could not care less if I serve or I am served on plastic plates or fine china; if I eat Fritos chips or caviar. If I am hosted a cabin in the woods, in a tent or in a mansion.

I care about getting to spend time with people I love. Pointe Finale.

It is not uncommon for us to have very large groups of people (often 15 and more) at our home and our cottage several times over the summer and sometimes even several times within the same week. Sometimes for several days.

People think we are crazy. The guests who come say that they think we are laid back and wonderful hosts (and crazy). For us we have it all down pat by now and have certain things we stand by when we entertain large groups who stay over that work for us.

I dare to share the below:

 1-When we entertain at our house vs. our cottage it is different. At the cottage we are inviting people into our relaxation time most of the time and we want to relax too so we all share a good part of the work. Each family is expected to make one meal, from the planning to the shopping to the cooking to the cleaning up. We started this with the Chez Vetos, extended it to the Holidays and Sweethearts and now are expanding this cottage rule to anyone who comes to stay overnight.

It works-it is fun-makes our guest feel less guilty when we are constantly cooking and cleaning-and makes us happy when we get to relax a bit and have guests and not be slaves the whole weekend. Win win.

And….we get to try really yummy different food. We had a Mexican fest today you should have seen my brother and his family cook!!!! Homemade salsa, guacamole, tacos, lemonade. Better than any resto I have ever been to and I went out on my boat and texted my friend and spend time with Hubby while this feast was being cooked.

 2-Have guests help with the cleaning up. If you have a bunch of kids around like I do this weekend, assign each of them 2 chores and watch then have a ball doing them. Share the love.

3-Make everyone comfortable. Let them pour their own drinks, mess up your house. Don’t be anal about your things or where things go. Let them relax and enjoy themselves.

 4-Let everyone do their own thing and be ok with that. Read that book of you want to-go to bed early if you need too. Some boat-some hike-others play Life. You are all here to enjoy.

 5-If you only see them once in a while-take lots and lots of pictures and make sure you get the perfect one to frame.

 6-Buy lots of beer and have lots of alcohol on hand. Guests crave a good drink.

 7-Change your outfits many times and give a bit of a fashion show. That’s always fun!

8-Have many throw covers on all the couches so people want to relax and get cozy.

9-Before they leave make a date for the next time they will come so that you get it into the agenda right away

10-Don’t make sleeping arrangements too practical or they will stay forever….nothing like a few pull out couches to do the trick-hahhahahhahahah just kidding.

11-Most of all and in conclusion don’t be afraid of big gangs and entertaining. It’s no big deal if you don’t make it one. If you ask people to pitch in, and help out and help clean up everyone will have blast. And more than anything it is great for your kids to see their friends and family and experience them living together and seeing the various ways people parent and the differing cultures of families. It’s a good example for your kids for them to see you being such a great and natural host or hostess and they will carry this with them-the important message that:

 Your home is welcoming and others love to be there. They will be proud of you. You will be proud of you. And you will have created another beautiful memory.