Balancing work and play is one of the most difficult things a single mom has on her plate. Schedules can get so hectic that play can become a type of work, even. If you are planning a dinner party–or just having friends over for dinner–it can become incredibly stressful. And stressing about time intended to destress defeats the purpose. Follow some simple tips to make your dinner plans at home with guests as relaxing as possible.
- Don’t over do it.
Your friends are there to spend time with you; if they expected a restaurant, they’d be going to a restaurant. Don’t try so hard to be a perfect hostess that you forget what the evening is really about. Make something simple, which you’ve made before. Having friends over for dinner isn’t the time to experiment with exotic recipes you have no experience with. - Delegate, delegate, delegate
If you have older children, have them help out, either by watching the little ones or with simple things like making sure the house is tidy before hand. And if your guests offer to bring something, let them! They likely will, anyway, even if you tell them not to, and it will save you peace of mind later if you allow them to bring the wine, dessert, or a salad. It’ll also ensure that their offering adds to the meal. - Keep it casual
Your guests will appreciate this too. You may want to show them a nice time and impress them but that’s as easily done (if not more easily) in an entirely casual setting. This is especially true if your guests have children as well. - Prepare ahead of time
When choosing a menu, choose foods that can be prepared at a pace you set well in advance, and won’t require constant attention while cooking. Something simple that is prepared in the oven or a slow cooker is a better bet than something you’ll have to baby on the rangetop.