Hellobee Boards

I always provide an email addy or my phone number and say text messages are okay.

I've realized you can't please everyone, so I pick the time that works best for us.

I always have a pitcher or two of water handy. A sharpie for those big Solo cups so you can write your name on the cup.

I actually feel like veggie trays are a hot item at our get togethers! Also that I ALWAYS get way too much food (and yet I'll continue to do it). Also it is my strong preference to have enough comfortable seating for everyone, which does mean smaller parties. But I don't know that many people anyways.

Focus on the things people notice (food) and include one personal touch or twist to each get-together.

Serve simple food that people like. I have an adventurous palate but I don't subject my friends to it anymore (oxtails for 25 of my closest friends did not go over well). For pot lucks I usually bring a plate of bacon. Sounds weird but it always disappears regardless of the type of party.

On the other hand I always make one veggie item for the vegan, gluten free, allergic, whatever crowd.

Don't stress about the "perfect dish". My husband invited some of his work friends and their wives over for superbowl and I hadn't met any of them before. I REALLY wanted to make bbq beef brisket, texas style since we are from Dallas before we lived here...but wouldn't you know it, briskets are hard to come by in NJ (lol).

So I made baby back ribs instead but was really disappointed that I had to use a back up plan....

But they were a HIT! two of the guys begged to take the leftovers home, so I said sure. *shrug* Guess you can never go wrong with ribs and football.

Call it a potluck whenever appropriate!

Not to do it! I'm sorry but I'm like the Grinch when it comes to hosting things.

If it's a big party, set up an Evite.
People at our parties seem to like finger foods that don't get too messy
Have a big bottle of Folex carpet cleaner on hand for accidents.
Cut up tomatoes and strawberries for the kids-they seem to stay cleaner when they aren't eating them whole
Cheese and crackers are always a hit with our friends

Call in a cleaning lady afterwards. Mine is here now putting our house back together from last night.

@CupQuakeWalk: Brilliant!!!

I like to clean up right after the party. If you leave it till the next morning you may not have the energy.

1) Always put the beverage station and appetizers far away from your working space (the kitchen) and put a trash can next to it.

2) Try your best to think of anything someone might need and put that out with the beverages and appetizers. If you can minimize the special requests or logistical questions it makes your job so much easier and less stressful.

3) Make all food super easy to eat, people avoid things that are messy or too large to fit on a cocktail plate.

4) Arrange furniture so that everyone you are expecting to come can sit comfortably and converse. I used to go to a BBQ every year and the hosts only had one small table on their porch and every year by the time we got there the same group of people had arrived before us and 'claimed' seats at the table. They only got up to use the bathroom and never mingled with other guests. Since then I have always arranged furniture so no one is left out of a conversation or has to stand uncomfortably.

5) Have everythign ready to go well before guests arrive. This way, if you run into a snag like realizing you are out of propane or charcoal you have plenty of time to run to the store.

@autumnlove: My mom always insists that there be healthy options at a party (mostly she never goes without a veggie tray). But over time I have found that even just ranch and carrots or a fruit tray go over much better.

I like to have a few extra options that I can pull out or save for later if needed. Like an extra bag of chips if we start to run out of food. But if we don't need them they won't go to waste.

@psw27: I agree, I do a quick sweep to get the dust and dirt up, but I really don't worry about mopping until after the party.