Virtually every family has at least a few members that don't quite get along. When the time comes for family gatherings, things can get tense very quickly. So, how do you plan a family event and decrease the likelihood of things falling apart as tensions rise? Here, you'll find a few tips to help you plan as close to a stress-free family event as humanly possible.
Hire a Caterer
Nothing is more stressful on the days leading up to, and the day of the event, than having to prepare and serve all of the food. Don't do that to yourself! Event catering services are available in all areas and are there for you to take advantage of. If you shop around and carefully select the menu, you'll be able to get a variety of foods to serve that are sure to meet every guests' tastes while not going over the food budget that you have set.
Not only do you not have to worry about buying, preparing and serving all of the food, but you won't have to worry as much about all of the clean-up work after the party has ended. Really – who loves spending hours in the kitchen cleaning up after hosting a party? Let the professionals take care of it for you.
Limit the Alcohol
If you choose to serve alcoholic beverages to your family, limit what you're serving. Avoid serving hard liquor and never serve alcoholic beverages without putting some sort of snacks out.
Not everyone becomes happy and fun when they drink – if you put your family together in a space with alcohol, there's a much greater chance that tempers will flare and things will be said and done that cannot be taken back.
Consider Security
It may seem like overkill, but seriously, are you in the position to put a stop to any physical altercations that may take place? If you don't know that someone will be there and be capable of stopping anything that could be problematic, you'd do best to talk with a security service in your area to hire a security officer for the event. That one person can make a huge difference in how your guests behave even when things get heated.
You don't have to avoid your family events – just carefully plan what you'll serve, how you'll serve it and what you'll do if things don't go as smoothly as you had hoped the day you mailed the invitations.
