5 Entertaining Alternatives To The Dinner Party
What? You don’t want to have a big dinner party? It’s okay, neither do I.
Here’s the dilemma: Having a dinner party is such a “big deal” and the cost can easily spiral out of control. I really want to spend time with friends but in the upcoming holiday season (or any season!) I don’t need the extra stress or expense and some evenings I just want to turn into a pumpkin by 8 o’clock. This time of year everyone is so busy they can’t attend a dinner party anyway. At times like these, we need Alternatives To The Dinner Party.
Can you relate?
So, here’s my solution. Catch your guests off guard with an invitation they won’t want to refuse. Here are some unusual ideas for holiday get-togethers. There is only one thing nicer than having guests arrive, and that’s having them go home at a decent hour! Bliss!
Let’s have breakfast!
Have the pals over for an early light breakfast and then plan to go out. Go shopping together, plan to wrap gifts together, (that’s always appreciated) go to a gallery, or they can just go home! Bliss! Set out a tray with some bagels and a couple of cream cheese topping options, some fruit and juice, coffee, tea and let guests serve themselves. Let it be easy!
Come for Brunch!
Prepare a make ahead breakfast casserole, a quiche, or cook up a quick scramble. Have juice and coffee. Maybe mimosas? Brunch is a lovely excuse to drink alcohol with breakfast. To be sure brunch doesn’t turn into dinner you’ll need an exit strategy. Organize an activity that gets your guests out of the house. You can either include your guests in your plans or let it be known your family has afternoon plans. “Time to go see the matinee” they can come along or just go home! Bliss!
Super Soup Supper!
Put some soup in the crock pot before you go to work and have your buddies come straight from work on a weeknight. This is minimal effort entertaining. Just add some crusty bread and jug of wine and them. Phrase the casual invitation as “swing by my place for a quick bowl of soup on your way home.” Because it’s a weeknight everyone will enjoy the early supper and then they can go home! Bliss!
DIY Movie Matinee!
Who says movies are for evenings only? This is especially good for families with young children. Have a showing of a holiday favorite complete with popcorn, movie theater candy and soda in the afternoon. Darken the room for a movie theater experience. This is very useful as a “drop off your kids for the afternoon” party so other parents can do a little last minute holiday preparation without the kiddies at home. Talk about being a Diva hero! It’s good for the budget, tell your guests to come “after lunch” and make it pot luck if you want them to stay for dinner. Or they can just go home! Bliss!
Boxed Lunch Surprise!
Tell a friend you’re picking them up for lunch and surprise them with a homemade box or brown bag lunch. Go to the park and enjoy the winter sights. Just be sure to bring an extra coat or a lap blanket if you’re not sure if your friend will be dressed warmly. Pack lovely goodies hot like soup in a thermos served in mugs and warm sandwiches wrapped in foil. Bring hot cocoa and cookies for dessert. Then take them back to work or home! Bliss!
These suggestions allow us to have the best of both worlds. Special time with friends and family without the stress of a dinner party. This means more time to focus on enjoying the holidays. Bliss!
Party on, Divas!
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