Do you consider your spouse when entertaining, when deciding what to do or who you will invite over for a meal? Do you consider their likes and dilikes. Here are some helpful tips to make entertaining an enjoyable experience for you and your spouse.
1. Don’t overextend yourself or your spouse.
Is your spouse one who likes big dinner parties with lots of guests and an elaborate meal? If he is not, I’d suggest you consider something simpler, like a barbecue or a casual meal or a sit down dinner with only a few guests. Mick knows for example that I would get into a state if I had to prepare a formal meal for a large number of people. It’s not my style. Fortunately it’s not his either. We usually go in for smaller dinners with one family or one or two couples invited.
A friend of mine is in her element handing out impromptu invitations for dinner. The idea of that freaks me out. I like to have things planned. Mick knows that and would not suddenly invite people back to out place for a meal.
2. Don’t Turn It into a Major Production
Sometimes our methods of entertaining can be influenced by what we saw when we were growing up. Years ago whenever we invited people for a meal I’d spend days planning the menu, preparing food and cleaning the house till it sparkled. Why? Because that’s what my mother did if visitors were coming.
Consequently entertaining turned into a nightmare for all the family. ‘They’re coming to see us not the house,’ Mick said and somewhere along his sensible words got through. I realized it wasn’t helpful. I was making the whole things a chore for everyone. It made Mick feel it wasn’t worth the effort of inviting people over, because it was all too much effort and I used to end up stressed and so did those around me.
3. Keep it Simple
Over the years I’ve learned to relax – to not try and cook complicated recipes. A simple lasagna, a salad and crusty bread works just as well. If the house is a little less than immaculate, it doesn’t matter, so long as it’s clean and tidy. Inviting people over is now much more enjoyable. But it took my darling husband to make me see it.
So think about your spouse? What do they like to do? Are they happy with lots of guests around and are you? Or is it better for both of your sake’s to invite a couple of friends over for lunch or a casual barbecue or go for a picnic instead?
Join me tomorrow for some further tips about stress free entertaining for you and your spouse.
Please visit these related blogs
What Would You Do For Love of Your Spouse?