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Keep Your Sanity in a Crowded House
Are you expecting a crowd this holiday season? Does your home become
a bed and breakfast during the months of November and December?
Having house guests can be very stressful and taxing for the host.
After all, it’s your job to make sure everyone is having a good
time. With the following tips, you can ensure a pleasant experience
for you and your guests. Here’s how:
Plan your Meals
Plan ahead for every meal. Shop in advance, and stick to the plan.
You can even prepare some meals ahead of time and freeze them.
Remember, meals don’t have to be extravagant to be tummy-pleasing.
Include a night out, order pizza in or purchase frozen meals like
lasagna. Add a few side dishes and voila!
Keep it Simple
You don’t have to use your best china and linen table cloths to make
a good impression. Pick up some fun paper plates, napkins, cups and
cutlery. You can find a great variety at party stores (and you can
stock up after the season for next year). This makes clean up a
breeze.
Set up a Snack Station
Prepare or purchase some healthy snacks. Keep them in a designated
area, along with appropriate paper goods. Familiarize your guests
with the area and let them help themselves—they’ll feel right at
home.
Find a Place for Everyone
Give all of your guests a designated spot for their stuff. Boxes or baskets,
labeled creatively with their names, will make the perfect place for
guests to store their things—and find them!
Let Everyone Pitch In
There is no rule of hosting that says you have to do it all
yourself. Get everyone involved by assigning tasks—most guests like
to feel useful.
Get out of the House
Staying in one place for a long time can make everyone go
stir-crazy. Make sure you plan time to get out and play for a little
while each day. Go to the movies, see a local attraction or give
your guests a tour of the town. Most guests like to see what you do
and where you go.
Take Time Alone
Reserve some time for yourself each day to recharge and rejuvenate.
Whatever you normally do—exercise, meditate, read—do it when your
house is full, too.
Don’t Expect Perfection
Having extra people in your house means extra mess. Try not to
stress about keeping your house meticulous. It will just drive
you—and everyone else—crazy.
Keep to a Routine
Within reason, try to keep the kids on their normal routine.
Skipping naps and pushing bedtimes will eventually catch up with
them—and you.
Bring Everyone Together
Provide activities that encourage group participation. Card games,
board games and jigsaw puzzles can be great time passers and memory
makers. You can even start a “funny stories” journal and let
everyone add to it.
Plan an Adult Night Out
It’s always fun for the adults to get out by themselves. Hire a
sitter for the kids, order their dinner out and do something
adult-like. The kids will enjoy the time away from parents, too.
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