This was me on the inside yesterday.... until I decided to choose to have a stress free day. We volunteered nine days ago to have a Christmas party at our house. My list was the length of my arm, and I had an intense day coming at work. It looked bleak the night before.
Recently I found some notes from Voluntary Simplicity and I decided to follow what I wrote down: Prioritize my list A=has to be done, B=important but not critical, C= would like to accomplish but not necessary. Then I set out to work. If everyone showed up to my house and I wasn't ready, well they would still love me anyway. We would have a drink and no one would care that I was gasp "imperfect."
Recently I found some notes from Voluntary Simplicity and I decided to follow what I wrote down: Prioritize my list A=has to be done, B=important but not critical, C= would like to accomplish but not necessary. Then I set out to work. If everyone showed up to my house and I wasn't ready, well they would still love me anyway. We would have a drink and no one would care that I was gasp "imperfect."
As it turned out we were almost ready,except some of the food was not out. It was then I remembered a tip from an Oprah show on party planning: Leave a little work for the guest to do, it breaks the ice and people feel useful and at home. So our friend Brad set out to cut the tenderloins, which this expert hunter did with amazing skill and beauty. Kerry cut the rolls and helped me set things on the table.
I made one big announcement, "Food is on the table, drinks are on the bar in the yoga room, bathrooms East and South, etc.....and make yourself at home, roam free," and decided to take care of myself and let everyone else have fun.
It occurred to me if Blake and I look stressed its going to set the tone. At one point he looked at me and said "How do we get everyone to sit down?" With a drink in my hand I said "like this," and proceeded to sit down and relax, within minutes ten people were sitting down relaxing. It was an awesome time!
It occurred to me if Blake and I look stressed its going to set the tone. At one point he looked at me and said "How do we get everyone to sit down?" With a drink in my hand I said "like this," and proceeded to sit down and relax, within minutes ten people were sitting down relaxing. It was an awesome time!
Green Tips used at this party:
1. We lit candles in hand me down candle stakes in the yard for lighting.
1. We lit candles in hand me down candle stakes in the yard for lighting.
2. I lit soy based, lead free candles in the bath rooms and kitchen $1.97 at Lowe's checkout.
3. I did not purchase any Christmas decorations, we used what we had and made do: we had plenty.
4. We requested people regift, get rid of something you no longer want, or spend minimal on a gift. We had some really crappy gifts: An Ann Murry album (yes vinyl) from the 80's, a sconce that looked like a catfish: It was hilariously bad. We laughed so hard.
5. We gave a nominal (optional) cash donation $2.25 per person gives a meal on Christmas day to the Samaritan's house. I laid a bowl at the bar with a letter from the Shelter saying what the purpose was.
6. Used post consumer recycled paper plates (I usually use the real deal but I was worn out.)
7. Reused gift bags, ribbons, and tissue paper.
8. Used post consumer recycled toilet paper in the " john".
9. Used organic chemical free soaps and lotions at the sink.
10. Used healthy natural cleaning products prior to the party and after to clean up.
11. Used post consumer recycled garbage bags to clean up.
12. Served food that came in minimal packaging, usually this means less processed foods.
Blessing's for a Green and Sane Holiday Season.
Courtney
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