The Benefits of Entertaining Two Nights in a Row
Into the front yard I went with scissors in hand.
I love this time of year, when my daffodils are in full bloom.
It’s as if they are saying, “cut me, cut me!” because they make a beautiful tablescape for entertaining, don’t you agree?
Usually we don’t entertain 2 nights in a row, but last week we did. It just worked out that way and to be honest, why not entertain back to back? I decided to write a post on the benefits of entertaining this way because it actually worked out quite nicely!
Easy Entertaining 2 nights in a row:
1. The bathrooms are already clean. Just put out a fresh, clean towel.
2. The centerpiece/flowers are already in place. (Add a new table cloth if you need to, and fresh napkins).
3. The entertaining dishes, goblets and supplies are already out. As they come out of the dishwasher, set them aside for the next night.
4. You’re already going to the grocery store, so just plan out your 2 menus in advance (make sure to delegate so you don’t have to do it all!)
5. The kitchen floors are already clean and the house is semi-tidy.
6. You’re already mentally in the “entertaining” mode.
So why not plan back-to-back nights of entertaining?
I’ve found it works for me, it’s not exhausting, and I really enjoy it.
Have you ever tried entertaining two nights in a row?
If you live locally, head to Terra Firma Home for amazing table decor and beautiful spring vases and accessories. You’ll love the assortment!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
This Christmas was the first time we hosted 2 back-back holiday parties. It was fun planning menus and decorations. I even enjoyed all the food shopping and cooking. Everyone had a great time and both parties were a huge success. The only downside was all the dishwashing I did even with a dishwasher! I don’ t like to use plastic plates but even if I do I still wash them and reuse them because I can’ t bear to throw them away or recycle them if they are still usable. Did anybody else feel like they did a ton of dishes? Any suggestions besides asking somebody else to help?
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Definitely! I’m hosting two church groups, one in the evening and the other the following morning. I double up the snack recipes for the evening group so I have most of the preparation already done – in the morning everything is ready with just some quick refreshing needed!
What a timely post! We are hosting two brunches this weekend on consecutive days. Wouldn’t have really been my first choice, but that’s just how everyone’s schedules worked out. Personally, I’m happy that all the cleaning I’ve been doing will serve double-duty!
Thank you for pointing this out. Perhaps I will get fired up and try to knock out a few obligations in one weekend! :)
When I think about it, this is a great diea! Why in the world haven’t I done this???? I can’t wait to see my daffodils…..soon, I hope! Your table looked so pretty! XO, Pinky
Great idea!! I am going to give this a shot.
This is brilliant. I always feel invigorated after entertaining so why not do it two nights or days in a row.
The table is lovely and fresh! I just love your blog!!!
Lovely Spring Tablescape, Sandy. So inviting. Not sure I remember what a Daffodil looks like, though.
Hurry Spring!
It makes such perfect sense, but I never thought of it that way. And my house is normally super clean after a night of entertaining. For some reason, we usually clean everything over again after the gathering!!
I actually make a point of entertaining back to back! It started off as a necessity – we are blessed with large families and lots of friends so for birthdays we have to have 4 different parties to fit everyone in (I did everyone at once only one time, and I swore I would never do it again – I didn’t get to talk to anyone!).
If I entertain back to back, I can make everything once and serve it twice – especially appetizers and desserts (I like to change up the main course). The house is clean and like you said everything is already out and ready to use.
I have learned however, that I cannot do 2 back to back weekends of entertaining (4 parties in 2 weeks) – that’s when I get a little cranky!
Yes! I agree with you even though friends say we’re crazy! It’s actually easier than having two weekends in a row! You just have everything out already and you use it immediately again! It’s not all that bad! Sometimes, if we have WAY too much food leftover from the first night, we can reheat it and use it the next too!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
Thanks for this! I’m actually planning to entertain both Saturday and Sunday nights this weekend and truth be told it kind of has me freaking out.
Now I feel better!
We have done back to back entertaining before, if not couples or families, our girls friends. A few weeks ago, between Friday and Tuesday we had 4 different girls spend the night!!! It was crazy but fun. AND I did it with very little food in the house!!
You’re right. Most of the work is already done. It actually would save some time. I’ll have to remember that.
HUGS!!
At Christmas time, we do 2 or 3 parties to keep them a reasonable size. We stack them up in one weekend for all the reasons you mention. Much easier!
This is exactly what I’m going to do – real soon. The extra leaf is in the table, the cloth is out, chargers are still on the table, etc…and it helps to spread it out if your house is small (like ours)!
That makes perfect sense.
I love the daffodils and tealights together.
Perfect!
Becky K.