Hosting parties - bloomin' hard work or great fun....

[DollyDa]

So we had a party this weekend, first big one we've had - big BBQ out in the garden, over 50+ guests, friends, family etc. Dh and I spent two days totally cleaning house and sorting the garden, prepared all food etc, people came, everyone raved what a wonderful time they had and they left again. At the actual party I ran around so much I barely spoke to anyone, didn't eat anything and managed to grab one drink, then spent the whole evening and most of today clearing up and sorting... I am really pleased everyone had a great time, but I am exhausted... I'm obviously a novice at this sort of thing as I see others handle it all with such effortless grace - where have I gone wrong?!

We host 2 big parties every year (Summer BBQ and NYE party). I love and hate it in equal measure. Love planning, hate prepping food/drink, love socialising and dancing, hate clearing up. Love hearing funny gossip from the night, hate the sometime massive arguments that ensue because of booze.

I love hosting but find its easier to keep it to smaller gatherings, about 20 or so including children.

I also make sure all food is cold and prepared beforehand and I have a rule that I don't run round during the gathering. Clearing up waits until after everyone has left (or until the next day if it's a late one) and I use disposable tableware and plastic cups where possible.

I am disabled and it's quite an effort for me to still host so I don't feel bothered by letting my guests get their own drinks after arrival. I've got an established reputation as a relaxed and drunken host so everyone just treats the place as home and pours me a drink while they're up. It works for us