Planning For a Party Made Simple
MaryAnn Raimey
Is it just me, or is planning for a party exhausting? Don't get me wrong, I love having family and friends over for meals and celebrations. The party itself is always fun, and after it's over, I'm so glad we took the time to have the gathering. But for the week or two before, my mind is a jumble of lists of shopping, cleaning, cooking, and general planning. Exhausting!
Occasionally, I watch those cooking and entertaining shows that assure one that putting together a party is so very simple and fun. They serve unique meals that all the guests rave about, have the perfect dcor, and even have a "theme" for the party. There is not a paper plate or stain in the carpet to be found on those programs. I am often lulled into thinking that I can pull off such a perfect party with perfect ease. After all, it only took 30 minutes on the TV program.
Then reality strikes and I look at my home. It's a comfortable, nice home with plenty of room for guests. But it certainly does not have the "perfect dcor". I live a real life with two kids, a dog, and a husband. There are always dirty dishes in the sink and dusting to be done. I don't have a complete set of lovely dishes that perfectly match my tablecloth, and my kids refuse to eat anything "unique".
I hate to admit it, but all of this makes me feel a bit inadequate, and it often keeps me from inviting guests over. I realize that in order to have the perfect party, it will take me far longer than 30 minutes. And with work, house, and kids' activities, I barely have 15 minutes to prepare dinner for my own family, much less a group of guests.
But then I take a step back and think of the parties I have been to. Most of the events we are invited to are put on by working moms, just like me. They have dishes in the sink and stains in the carpet. They serve hot dogs and chips for the kids on paper plates. Sometimes there are a couple of unique dishes for the adults to "ooh" and "ahh" over. Sometimes the party has a theme, but there is rarely a "table-scape" that looks like it should be on the cover of a magazine.
And when I remember that these imperfect people are just like me, I start to relax. I mean my friends and family are just like me. Trying to juggle jobs and families and they don't expect perfection. In fact, perfection would likely make them feel a little uncomfortable. And I realize I'm happy to have them in my life. And that any gathering is celebration enough.
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