Such was the case on Friday afternnoon, when we hosted the first stop of a progressive Open House (along with two other homes in our area) for my husband's company. About sixty guests arrived via bus originating from their offices in Chicago.
Having all of our guests arrive at the same time created a few challenges, but I must say it jump started the party right away. Pre-made cocktails on the front porch, along with coolers of help-yourself beer in the basement, allowed each guest to be holding a drink within five minutes of walking through the door.
And the all-at-once departure ninety minutes later made for very quick good byes. We had our feet up five minutes later, knowing each guest was on their way to the next home with a bottle of water in hand (water lap!)
A lot of prep work paid off . Here are a few things that allowed us to almost be guests at
our own party:
- a trusted, professional bartender
- rented glassware, appetizer plates and forks
- catered appetizer platters, picked up just a few hours before the party began
- music throughout the house
A day or two of rest and we are now back to our regularly scheduled life!