Things That Will Happen When Planning a Shindig That Should Not Upset You

Trying something new this time around.  No shindig theme, no shindig items to try, nothing to covet.  I had been thinking about what frustrates me when I plan get-togethers with friends; those annoying things that tend to happen more times than not, yet I’m the only one who notices.  If the rest of the crowd is having a good time then I should let these little things roll off my back…and so should you.  My Top 3 are as follows:

1. People will RSVP that they are able to come and will not show up.  While annoying, it’s not the end of the world.  Since you planned food and drink for them, that just means there is more for the rest of the group to enjoy.  The converse is also true; guests that have not responded all of the sudden show up.  While the latter happens less often, the more the merrier I say (no really, I do say that!).  If it’s a potluck, they are bringing a dish to add to the buffet anyway.
2. The food runs out.  This usually (hopefully) isn’t an entirely true statement.  While the main dishes seem to fly off the table, the munchies such as chips & dip, hummus & pita, cheese & crackers, seem to always be leftover.  I always try to overstock on the “this & that” items so as to have something easy to snack on with the late night few while we talk the night away.  The great thing is the leftover fruits and veggies can made great salad fixins and chips & dip can serve as midday snacks for the next day.
3. Just when you think you have chosen the best date ever for your shindig, it happens to be the perfect date for others to plan parties of their own.  I typically plan to invite more people than I can accommodate since 9 times out of 10 about 1/3 to 1/2 of the invitees won’t be able to make it anyway.  Of course there is the off chance that everyone is able to make it; but as of today, I haven’t run into that problem yet.

If at the end of the party guests are thanking you for a lovely evening it’s been a succesful night.   That’s what shindigs are about, the  fun, not the frustration.

One Response to “Shindig Spot Top 3”

1. Stephanie Prescott says:

   May 11, 2009 at 9:55 AM

   Great post! All valid points here, Steph. Especially the fact that the host is the only one who notices; isn’t that the truth? Just like a wedding that goes horribly wrong- the only ones who know are the Bride & (sometimes) the Groom

   I love the site! Keep up the great work!