Reply #11: Sympathies! [View All]

[ginnyinWI]

My mother used to order me to host family get-togethers whether I was in the mood or not! And my brother is a clone to your brother in law!

First off, only clean the bathrooms and let the rest of the house be just "okay". The bathroom is the only place anyone has a chance to really inspect anything close-up. And put a candle in there to make it look like you fussed.

Then ask each of them what they are going to bring. If they don't have time to cook, tell them to stop at the deli for something, or just bring beverages and other non-cooked stuff. When you get your list of donations, figure out what you have time to make ahead, and what you can do on the day. Stay on the safe side and don't get ambitious.

To cut work on serving consider making it a buffet with no fancy table settings. Get a few squash or pumpkins and apples and plop them into a bowl for a centerpiece and you are done!