How to Entertain Your Family Like an Event Planner

How do you feel when it’s your turn to host a family or friends holiday or event? Do you look forward to sharing your home with the special people in your life, or do you go into a panic and dread the day?  I know lots of people who definitely fall into the latter category. It doesn’t have to be that way!!

This past Easter Sunday I hosted our family and friends. Like you, I don’t have loads of time to spend preparing. I have a job (planning other people’s events), a business to run, a home that has to be cared for, etc. etc. But it is important to make the day special and show your guests how important they are to you.

I’ve put together some tips for you to get started planning your next event like an Event Planner.

#1           Start collecting some basic go-to items you can use to create simple décor.  In the picture of my kitchen island I’ve used some DollarTree vases to create an Easter Candy Bar. I’ve used the same vases on my dining table to hold some beautiful irises that I found at our local farmer’s market. These vases have been to weddings and parties all over town. They’ve held candy, flowers, balloons on sticks, floating candles…The little square bowl holding nuts was picked up at the Crate & Barrel Outlet for about $2! I have several and they have served as candy dishes, ice cream bowls, dip bowls, etc, etc.

 #2          Don’t try to do it all yourself! This Easter was a “Potluck Brunch”. I asked everyone to bring their favorite brunch dish.  My son was asked to be sure the patio was ready, and my hubby to come up with a game.  Enlist help to clean up so you don’t spend the next day putting your home back together. Whether planning an event for 20 or 200 you can’t do it all yourself.  I’ve always got my go to vendors who I know will make things happen, who I can count on. 

#3           Don’t leave yourself with too many last minute things to do. Plan a menu using as many prepare ahead dishes as possible. Just pull out of the fridge or oven and serve. For my brunch I had 3 casseroles that were prepared the day before and waiting in the fridge with foil and a note taped to the top with the instructions for finishing.  Lists and timelines are your best friend!

#4           Keep it Simple!! Unless you enjoy gourmet cooking or elaborate floral décor, don’t do it!! The point of the event is to enjoy time with our loved ones. Tried and true family favorites are the best. Simple décor that sets the day apart from every other day, but not something you are going to stress over. 

 

I set two tables like this. The other is in my kitchen. Simple DollarTree vases with irises from the Farmer’s Market, held in place with crystals also from DollarTree. A sage tablecloth and napkins can be mixed with many different colors to go with many holiday themes.  I added purple for Easter and to accent the irises.

I have a bag full of these little wreaths that came
from Michael’s several years ago. They make budget friendly napkin rings that can be embellished in so many ways. This time I added little egg ornaments, on clearance at Michaels for $.60 each! Tied a purple ribbon around each napkin and added the wreath and egg.  You can’t always plan everything. Go with what you find and make it work.

After brunch, and a quick clean-up, snacks for grazing were set out, and the games were begun. This year my hubby planned a dominoes tournament. We had 3 tables and everyone switched tables after each round. It’s a fun game that everyone could play, and were able to socialize with all the other guests. Of course there had to be a prize, two movie tickets for the Champion!

It all made for a great day spent with our favorite people.

How did you make the holiday special?