I can't think of anything worse then having the dread of dishes to clean up after a big family meal. I put cooking pans, etc in dishwasher as I go. I use the nicer disposable plates, bowls, and glasses for big meals. Even the serving dishes are disposables. Really the only thing I have to wash is the silverware. Dealing with leftovers is about the only time I spend on clean up. During the week DH and I use paper disposables.