I love to entertain in my home. It’s pretty easy, if you’re organized.
- Keep formal china and crystal in one spot. If you have built-ins or a china cabinet full of knick knacks, consider donating or giving them to family members. It takes up space and you can see what you really have. Do you really need that crystal or glass bell?
- If you have chipped crystal goblets, it’s difficult now a days to find a craftsman who can shave and repair it. It’s better to discard it and go shopping on E-bay, Replacements.com or antique stores.
- The same goes for cracked, broken or chipped china.
- Go through drawers and get rid of the paper and junk you don’t need to entertain. This includes broken or half burnt candles as well as stained place mats or tablecloths.
- The casual dishes keep the same way as china and crystal.
- Make sure you have serving bowls and platters handy and know where to find them.
- Arrange and organize your utensil drawer(s) for easy access for serving spoons and forks, thongs, and other serving accessories.
- If I am having a sit down dinner, I like to use a tablecloth. Your table is all about presentation and an invitation to a fun evening. If your occasion is casual, use a casual style table cloth and some fresh flowers on either side of the table. Sometimes I go cut the evergreens in my yard and display evergreens on the center of the table.
- I love candles. You can set a candle or two in the center of the evergreen display or in the center of the table.
- When your party is over, wash and iron your tablecloth so that you are ready at a moment to host again.
- Keep “like” items together so it’s easy to find. For example: keep tablecloths together, hanging in a spare closet, place mats assembled, dress or casual in the same drawer, candles together and candle holders, if you need them. I like using dinner size colorful paper napkins. Another great thing to have is a leaf/table extension with dining room table pads in one place.
- For a super casual party, you can use paper tablecloths and napkins, as well as folding tables, if needed.
- When you are organized, you are prepared and it does not cause you to be anxious or nervous for your party. You want to enjoy it as well. Plan your menu ahead. I feel most guests don’t mind bringing a dish. It cuts down the cost for the hostess and you don’t have do all the work. Enjoy!