Thanksgiving fell on November 28 – pretty late this year. The outcome: not only six less days to squeeze in holiday shopping, but six less days for organizing and executing in-home parties and hosting get-togethers.
We can’t speed-up Amazon deliveries even though ordering extra early helps. But we can streamline our entertaining routines. Below is a brilliant idea from my son and his wife – utilized the Saturday following Gobble Day – when they annually host a football bash for 70 people centered around the OSU vs MICHIGAN game.
Their secret? A FAQ e mail sent out shortly before the party.
I’ve modified it a bit but the cleverness of this user guide is theirs.
Q: What time does party start?
A: Please come any time after 11:00 am.
Q: What time does game start?
A: Noon.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Please park on side of driveway on the left side on grass or at top of driveway to the left in flat area. This is so food truck can come down driveway and park at bottom.
Q: What time does food truck arrive?
A: 1:00 pm.
Q: Where do I enter?
A: Use front door or go to back patio. Can’t miss it.
Q: Where can I get a drink?
A: At the bar in the dining room. Help yourself to any age- appropriate beverage you wish.
Q: Where can I get water?
A: The sink at the bar produces filtered ionized water for human consumption (similar to Smart Water).
Q: Where can I get ice?
A: At the bar in the dining room to your lower left is an ice maker. Open it up and there is plenty of ice.
Q: What is the spread?
A: OSU -9.5
Q: What is the over/under?
A: 50.5.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Scarlet, grey or black.
Q: What is a Wolverine?
A. A douche bag.
Q: What time does it end?
A: If Buckeyes win, there is no end.
Well, it’s pretty clear we are Buckeye fans and the party did last into the wee hours, because OSU was once again victorious.
But you know mothers – as the days flew by, I kept thinking about my son’s list. And having a lot of past practice on improving, expanding and/or modifying my children’s works of genius, I came up with a few of my own FAQs. So here’s a few more suggestions on holiday hosting to add to your FAQ e-mail:
Q: What should I do if I spill my wine?
A: Clean-up stations are set up in a few strategic places in case a nasty spill occurs. Each basket has a box of salt, Wine Away (red wine stain remover), club soda, and a couple of rags. Clean away.
Q: Where should I put my coat?
A: The closet in the front hall is for your coats and filled with empty coat hangers.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Check with my wife
One final discreet warning from a watchful mom before welcoming guests into your home:
Check your medicine cabinets.
Remove any personal items you wouldn’t want your guests to see.
Happy Partying,
Iris Ruth Pastor