GUEST BLOG: Party at Mary’s House

Last week my husband and I enjoyed a delightful get-together at Mary’s home with several of her children and their families.

“How nice”, you’re thinking.   “And???”
 

Mary and I have been having a lively “discussion” for the past few years about how much fun (my viewpoint) or how much stress (her viewpoint) having an open house for her clients would be. 

Mary lives in a century-old farm house.  Her gingerbread office is just a walk- thru- the- garden away.  Horses play in the pasture behind, cats sun themselves on the porches, the meadowlarks sing with joy.  It is charming in its pastoral beauty.  And a wonderful place to hold an open house!
Not in Mary’s eyes!  She worries about what to serve, where people will sit, what they will talk about, and so on and so on and so on.  This is in theory.  Last week at Mary’s house we took pleasure in witnessing the practical application of organizing principles for a party.  And the best part was that Mary never even realized she was implementing them.

What to serve?  Mary and her daughters worked as a team in the kitchen and dining room to create two kinds of chili (white and red), with all the “fixins”.  Delish!  By the time the desserts were passed, everyone was delightfully full. 
Where will people sit?  Pretty much wherever there is a space.  Younger ones love to curl up on the floor, dining room chairs serve as extra seating, the bench from the potting shed will seat an extra two.  Upholstered wing chairs will not be required by most of your guests, so relax and let the bodies fall where they may.
What will they talk about?  It has always been my theory that if you bring together interesting people, they will always be able to amuse themselves with lively conversation.  The 15 guests at Mary’s had several conversations going on different subjects.  How interesting and often enlightening to hear everyone’s viewpoints and experiences.

Here are MY Organizing Tips for Planning an Event.  Mary!  Are you reading this?:)

By Guest Blogger Nancy Carter, Imagination Marketing
 

Organizing Tip #1
 Simple, delicious food, easily eaten, makes everyone happy.  Having a partner to help you set up and serve shares the load.

Organizing Tip #2
 Use all your space to seat your guests.  Sitting on the staircase is great fun, as is rocking on the porch swing.  Don’t forget sitting on the floor, or outside under the trees.  Your guests are probably less concerned about where they sit than you are. 

Organizing Tip #3
 The larger your group, the more exciting the discussions that are generated.   Mention a passion/career/hobby that people may share as you introduce them to each other.  Ask opinions on a current event.  And then hang on for the conversational ride!