Mind Your Monte
Wedding Etiquette by Monte
- For large parties, placesettings can save guests stress when the meal is served.
- Instead of a full bar, opt for wine, beer and a large batch of a signature cocktail.
- To conserve space in the fridge, use snacks and staples that don't need to be refrigerated.
- Have a potluck! Instead of exhausting yourself with meal prep, share the responsibility.
- Invest in air mattresses for out-of-town guests. They pack up small!
- Visiting relatives? Plan a few out-of-house activities to give you both some space.
- Schedule some "me" time during the holidays to relax.
- If they're willing, recruit your guests to help with simple tasks to prep the holiday meal.
- Consider swapping names for a gift exchange to help manage expenses and stress.
- Keep simple snacks handy for you and your houseguests.
- Dust off your board game collection! Playing as a family is a great way to entertain a crowd.
- Keep snacks in eyesight so houseguests can help themselves while the meal is cooking.
- Ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert while you provide the main course.
- Consider kenneling the family pet if you’re expecting a houseful of guests.
- Go off the grid! Turn off your computer and phone; focus on who's around you.
- Let visiting in-laws serve as baby-sitters, and get out for a well-deserved date night.
- Wet winter weather making a mess? Keep slippers by the door and ask guests to wear them inside.
- A magical, no-cost activity is holiday light-peeping. Send family out while you take a breather!
- Prepare in advance for holiday lunches by making soups and casseroles. Heat and serve, no fuss!
- Stress-reducing services you should splurge on: gift-wrapping, catering and housecleaning.
- Skip neighbor gifts and host a drop-in cocoa/cookie party instead. It's more personal.
- Skip long post office lines by shipping gifts directly from retailers to loved ones.
- Prepare some food in advance and freeze; it'll make cooking easier when the big day arrives.
- Try yoga or meditation — you can do them anywhere and they can do wonders for your state of mind
- Allow yourself an occasional indulgence; why add the stress of a strict diet to holiday stress?
- When holiday planning gets overwhelming, take some non-holiday time with friends.
- Shop on the internet during your lunch hour; saves you a hectic trip to the store.
- Write down holiday gift ideas so you don't have to wrack your brain at the last minute.
- Trade housework or massages with your partner; no gift wrapping required!
- Host a casual meal in the New Year as a treat to friends rather than worrying about gifts.
- A bottle of wine is a great gift because it can double as help to a host with thirsty guests.
- Keep a running list of holiday music on your iPod or computer for a lovely background.
- Have a limited budget? Try baking cookies or other yummy goods for your friends!
- Make homemade jam is a sweet and tasty gift for pals.
- Send holiday e-cards to your plugged-in friends.
- Be thankful for what you have.
- Be a thoughtful guest, take your hosts out for a meal to show your appreciation.
- Food is welcome! Gourmet cookies, candy or wine make great last minute gifts.
- If you're traveling, consider starting your trip a few days before the crowds hit.
- Keep extra pillows and blankets available for your overnight guests to make them comfy.
- Don't overbook. It can be nice to just relax at home with your close family.
- Get your favorite holiday films on DVD to help entertain your houseguests.
- Treat yourself to your favorite holiday treat as a mid-shopping break.
- Be a teetotaler! Don't overindulge in festive cocktails, your head will thank you in the morning.
- Get some fresh air, even if it's cold! A winter walk can be very refreshing and calming.
- Lighten up your to-do list. Postpone some of your usual chores until after the holidays.
- Let it go! It's all about connecting with friends and family and not about buying the best gift.
- Stick to your budget. Your New Year self will thank you when it's time to pay the bills.
- Have one of your holiday meals at a restaurant. No dishes to do!
- Take a taxi. Don't risk an accident after one too many eggnogs.
- Feel free to say no. You don't have to accept every invitation.
- Fly with Santa! Airfare is cheaper and less crowded if you travel on the day of a holiday.
- Let the kids help with small tasks around the house -- like setting the table.
- Take a morning (or afternoon) off of work and get your shopping done without the crowds.
- Keep an open mind. Everyone has different holiday traditions. Try something new!
- Instead of a formal dinner, host an open house with cocktails and appetizers.