by Aimee Coulter

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

The gravy boiled over catching the kitchen on fire. There were eight broccoli and cheese casseroles and zero dinner rolls. And no one remembered to pick up 99-year-old cousin Gertie who drove herself when her ride failed to show up at the appointed hour. Thanksgiving last year was anything but easy and gratifying. This year entertaining during the holidays will be smooth sailing thanks to three easy techniques: planning, delegating and flexibility.

Planning is the most detailed consideration of holiday events. Make plans way in advance and when time allows. Keeping a notebook close at hand simplifies the making and updating of lists. Dividers further enhance your planning by allowing easy access menu, guest lists, shopping lists, overnight guest accommodations, special considerations, etc. This planning journal will make it possible to utilize the time you have available versus trying to find additional time for your planning. makek up the guest list while waiting in the car pool line. Update your menu and add to your shopping list while at the kid's soccer practice. No more driving yourself crazy pondering details you could be tending to if only you had the time!

Delegating is the easiest of the holiday entertaining duties, but it is also most often overlooked and underused. Doing it all does not increase one's enjoyment of the holiday. Nor does it add to other's enjoyment of the event. Take advantage of the help that is as close as your guest list. When calling to issue the invites, ask each guest to bring something that you know first hand they make well. Not only will it ease the expense and workload on your part as hostess, but it will also allow others to play a more active role in the gathering. Use this same list to make arrangements for any special considerations that need to be made such as rides for the elderly. It is this type of delegating that will keep you from setting fire to the kitchen from the forgotten gravy boiling over when you dash out the door to pick up Cousin Gertie .

Flexibility is the most important facet of any holiday entertaining. Don't cringe when eight relatives show up bearing broccoli and cheese casseroles instead of the assigned menu item. Thank them kindly for their offering and don't mention the mix up. You can never have too many broccoli and cheese casseroles. Don't wear your feelings on your sleeve for all to see when you discover the overnight guests you spent six hours preparing for have changed their minds. You'll need the room for the four extra friends brought along by family members! Being flexible is the one characteristic that is a necessity to being a good hostess. With flexibility in your arsenal, no situation can rock your boat. With the tendency to get upset held at bay by flexibility, there is nothing that can keep you from easy and gratifying holiday entertaining.

So plan well in advance, delegate as much of the duties and responsibilities as you can and, most importantly, be flexible when all of your planning goes out the window. Enjoy your holiday and be thankful for the food and family with which you have been blessed.

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