I’ve just finished hosting another party at our house and the day after I’ve come round feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and worn out. So how do we get better at hosting a friend and family get together? When you have to cook for the masses and of course there’s that mountain of clearing up. We all love an occasion to meet the family over great food, drinks and conversation. so I don’t want to stop doing this as I enjoy cooking for loved ones. So what can we do?
I’ve put some tips together on how to manage the stress.
Simplify!! Make life easy. don’t start of with something complicated to cook for your family and friends. Go safe and easy for the first time round and you can build up with experience.
Make a plan and try to stick to it. Note down the time of everyone’s arrival and work your way backwards to preparing food, settling up tables etc and anything else that needs to be done. So you know exactly how long you have to make that recipe, clean, cook and get ready. it does help! Stick it up somewhere so you can see it.
Prepare in advance.
If there are any dishes you can make in advance then do so, this will save time and your energy. You can made ahead and leave in the fridge until cooking.This is such a help and will leave you less stressed on the day!
Ask for help!
I never used to ask for help and tried to do everything myself. But if your friends and family are coming they are more than likely to be open to helping out and bringing anything you need. Sometimes all you need to do is ask! Don’t be afraid, speak up and get some help in.
People are forgiving. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, unless your cooking for the major or a celebrity, just chill out. Relax and try to enjoy the process, catch up with friends and just let it go. Once you’ve done all the food, just be yourself and host. Your friends and family a there to see you at the end of the day, so if anything goes wrong, take a deep breath and let it go. What is done is done.
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