zozee

I try to have all the real thinking and prep done before guests arrive. Once there’s chatter and extra people crowding around , I get “discombobulated,” as my mom used to say. i will let people cut up salad fixins, take drink orders, set things on the table, but my husband and I generally make a good kitchen team.

I appreciate help clearing the table after a meal and putting food away, but want to socialize, not do dishes while loved ones are present. For one thing, when i’m in their home and they Do dishes instead of sitting and talking, I get the feeling their tasks are more important. Hospitality is making people feel loved.

After a big meal at my children’s homes, i like to wash their dishes that are left after the dw is full. Knowing how much work it takes to prepare, I like to relieve the burden. I have one DIL with twin toddlers, another 7 months prego, and a daughter who nannies. They appreciate the clean-up help.