Remember when you had fewer outside activities and more time to plan a party, even if it was just a small get together?
If you can't remember, you aren't alone. You're one of thousands in the same position.
Today, everybody is busy - and a lot of busy people would love to gather their extended family and friends together for a party a little more often than once or twice a year; than for the holidays. It's a worthy goal.
Studies show that people who "break bread" together (enjoying great conversation and a good meal), reap many positive benefits, especially for their kids; which translates to a better performance in school. And because you're not dining out, you can pre-plan meals, which means lower meal costs for you.
Do it together
There are more benefits of planning a friends and family party with the people that you love: It costs two to four times less any meals bought away from home. Homemade food served at a party is usually more nutritious (i.e., not fried or highly salted0. And you can also limit soda and sweet drinks.
You really can't afford to not get everyone together. So make it priority. Make meal planning for your party easy. Get everyone involved - enjoying each other - as well enjoying a home cooked meal.
Set a definite time
Everyone has schedules: You need to be at work on time. And your kids have to be in class when the bell rings. So it only makes sense that you get down to the nitty-gritty and get a schedule figured out that will work for everyone.
If you're making it a "strictly friends and family" party thing scheduled for a week night, remind everyone that dinner will be served promptly at a specified time so that they can plan their activities accordingly.
Make a list
Make a list of easy and quick recipes to create a menu that will suit every palate. Get family members and friends involved in the process. Each one could select and make a favorite recipe to bring to your party.
Go shopping
Keep the kids involved throughout the entire process. When you head out to go shopping, bring your shopping lists and your kids. Make as many shopping lists (and grab as many grocery carts) as the number of children that you have to help you, including a list (and grocery cart) for yourself. Give each person their list and let them know what the ground rules are; that everyone has to stick to their list, and that they have to check each item off their list and toss the item into the grocery cart.
Cater-Hater Tip: Have each child shop for the packaged, frozen and canned food. Your goal here is to not only have them help you, but to position them to be inspired to help you make the food that their shopping list items require.
Keeping everyone involved, you'll get everything you need and teach your kids to stay true to shopping for only what you need and not grabbing impulse items and junk food.
Employ your junior chefs
Letting your kids help in the kitchen is another way to institute some "together time" and teach them useful tasks. The young ones (preschoolers) can help stir the pots, which will give them a sense that they're really needed to help you. The older kids (school-age) can measure and combine ingredients, crack eggs, wash produce and tear lettuce for salads. The teenage kids can get involved by peeling and chopping, and putting together the dishes that are their favorite foods.
On the day of or the finale...
Now you're into the "home stretch" regarding your party for family and friends. Next, enlist the kids to fold dinner napkins, set the table and pour the beverages. Once everyone sits down at your family and friends gathering, you can find out who will need help hosting the next party.
Now you no longer have to wonder, what is the meaning of family and friends day? Because you know that your friends and family day celebration party is all about people making a great connection. The adults and kids who get involved in the process will have a blast and benefit from working together even more. So... Enjoy each other, let me know how it goes, and most importantly - have fun!
Image source: Wikipedia
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