Holiday Hosting Tips

This post is a companion to my Holiday Eating Tips post of November 19.

The holidays can be a challenge for anyone planning to host a family, friends, or office gathering.  Realizing that love, friendship, and the comfort of your guests are more important than fancy hors d'oeuvres or your new china pattern may help.  So, here are some tips for hosting a loving, friendly, comfortable party this holiday season.

1. Be yourself.  As a party host, you don't need to be the "perfect, super" version of yourself that is really only possible on a scripted television show.  Your friends and family love you and your co-workers enjoy your company, so relax!

2. Find out if any guests have food restrictions or allergies.  This is not always possible, but if you can either through the grapevine or your invitations ask guests who may not eat certain foods for religious or choice reasons or have severe food allergies to let you know privately beforehand.  Some people who eat a limited diet may offer to bring a dish for themselves or help you figure out how to include them in your food spread.

3. Don't push food and drinks too hard.  Some of your guests may be dieting or have food/drink issues that they haven't shared.  Have the food and drinks available and politely offer more occasionally, but don't be offended or upset if someone passes on a second helping of pie or a third glass of wine.

4. Offer a mix of healthy and "traditional" (high in fat and calories) food and drink options.  More and more people want to have at least one healthy option when attending a party.  You don't have to spend a lot of money or time serving a huge variety of items, but at least offer a tray of vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheeses or meats amongst the cookies, fudge, and mini quiches.

5. Don't embarrass late arrivals.  Some of your guests will arrive later than you expect.  Don't say, "Hey, look! John decided to show up!" or "I'm glad you're finally here," since phrases like these can make your guest uncomfortable and unwelcome.  Instead, warmly greet them as if they arrived right on time.  If the late guests offers an apology for their delay, let them know everything is fine.  You could say with a genuine smile, "No worries, we are glad you're here."

6. Turn it down! Some people only see each other at holiday functions.  This is especially true at family or large office parties.  Keep the music or entertainment volume low enough that people can easily hold a conversation.  This is especially important if anyone with hearing difficulties is attending.  Also, take into account the age and musical tastes of your guests.  We may love heavy metal, but Aunt Sue or your boss will not appreciate Steve Harris' excellent basslines.

Images from Microsoft Clip Art website

Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays can be a challenge for anyone trying to eat well, lose or maintain her weight.  The friend luncheons, family gatherings, and office parties usually offer a lot of temptation and little heathly or low fat/calorie options.

Here are some tips I will be implementing the next couple of months.  I hope they can help you.

1. Pass on the appetizer and dessert.  Many appetizers and desserts are loaded with fat and calories.  Based upon the portion sizes in most restaurants, a salad, entree, and vegetables are more than filling.

2. Get a to-go box (doggie bag).  Portions can be huge at some restaurants (or homes!).  Plan to eat half or two-thirds of your meal, then take the rest home for a quick lunch or snack the next day.

3. Don't pass on meals.  It is harder to say "No" to holidays sweets when you've skipped the previous meal.  Hunger can also make you eat faster, which can result in eating more than usual.

4. Eat a healthy snack at home before the party.  This is a supplement to the previous tip.  You don't have to eat a huge meal before heading out to food festivities.  Instead, a small protein and vegetable snack will help you say "No" to a second or third helping of your favorite holiday treat.

5. Drink water between glasses of punch or alcohol.  Not only will you save calories by slowing down your high-caloric drink intake, you can stay more sober.  Don't let friends, family, waitstaff, or party hosts push you into drinking more than you feel comfortable.  Remember: No Beer Pressure!

6. Plan your eating schedule for the entire day.  When visiting multiple homes or parties over the holidays, you may overeat at one place, then feel obligated to eat just as much as the next.  Instead, plan and stick to the amount you can eat at one party so you can enjoy something at the next.  Family and friends should respect your choices.





Images from Microsoft Clip Art website

We Are Thankful For...

Totem Media, L.C. wishes everyone a safe, happy, and filling Thanksgiving (or Thursday if you live outside the US)!

We are thankful for...
♦ God's eternal love
♦ Our families
♦ Dear friends
♦ Professional (and fun!) clients and business partners
♦ Good health
♦ Healthy food
♦ Delicious beverages
♦ Cute animals
♦ Moving music
♦ Inspirational art
♦ Great televisions shows (and those who produce them!)
♦ Pleasant weather
♦ Beautiful plants
♦ Peace
♦ Justice
♦ A new presidential administration

May all you are thankful for be bountiful in your life.

Honesty is Totem's Policy

Just before Thanksgiving '07, I was at the grocery store. While checking out my groceries, I wasn't sure if the clerk had rang up the turkey in my cart. She gave me the total, and then I asked her if she had included the turkey. She hadn't - it was an accidental oversight.

She rang up the $8.00 turkey and I paid my bill in full.

She said, "You could've gotten a free turkey."

I replied with a smile, "I couldn't have eaten it."

I simply could not intentionally take a turkey I hadn't paid for. Then she said, "Well, accidents happen."

That is true. If I had never noticed I hadn't paid for the turkey, I certainly would have eaten and enjoyed it, but the fact was I did notice, so I could never convince myself it was an "accident."

If you value honesty in your vendors, consider Totem Media, L.C..