As I drove home from the shop, to pick up the “Bobbing” Tub, I couldn’t help but notice that the car read the outdoor temp as 112! The car’s always a couple of degrees high, but seriously, the heat was ridiculous.

You know I love to make silly faces and post them on Facebook! This one certainly qualified!

As an icebreaker, I decided to have a bobbing for “apples” game. But since I was too cheap to buy a lug of apples, I went to the dollar store and sliced up one of those “noodles” kids use in the pool. Not surprisingly, we only had two teams volunteer for the game and one of them included me! It was certainly good for a few laughs!

But seriously, a relaxed host and hostess sets the tone for a get-together. A friend of mine told me years ago, that if you’re having a good time, everyone else will too.

Entertaining Tips:

That’s why we make a list of everything that needs to be done and share the jobs, getting as much prepared in advance as possible! All the way down to having serving trays and serving utensils, wine, music and lighting selected. Running around frantically as guests arrive isn’t fun for me or the guests!

I can’t remember the last time I plated and served our guests! Everything is done buffet style. Guests can choose what they want and how much.

When our dear friends say “What can we bring?”, I say “Oh, how wonderful! Could you bring ____?” It’s especially helpful for large parties and gives everyone a chance to feel as though they’ve contributed.

As easy as it is to get distracted, keep the evening on schedule, to eat dinner at a reasonable time. This is important for a whole host of reasons. For instance, young parents need to get home to a babysitter. Plus, too much wine on an empty stomach is never good!

I pretended that the temperatures would magically go down, and everyone would enjoy a delightful dinner under the oak trees. Even though it was hotter than Hades, half the group ate outdoors and the rest of us wimps ate indoors, where it was much cooler!

I wish I had taken more pictures of Mr. Wonderful, smoking ribs, but they were delicious. The dear man worked his tail off! Speaking of those skilled in creating culinary delights, all the friends and neighbors that arrived, came bearing gifts of tasty treats. Together, there were appetizers, wine, salads, cobbler, ice cream sandwiches…a feast that our fore fathers would have enjoyed!

I don’t go crazy, decorating for any holiday but Christmas. I have enough to do, making sure there are bouquets made and clean bathrooms waiting for guests.

There was one scrumptious contribution to the dinner, after a other! But Susanna and Mike’s home-grown veggies and amazing dahlia bouquet, were something else! Thanks to everyone!!

Working smoothly with you significant other take planning and patience. After almost 15 years, entertaining has gotten to be pretty darn fun! Hindsight is always 20/20!