Lessons of wisdom from one who knows....
For a Type A, over anxious person like me, making the decision to entertain doesn't come easy.
Firstly I fret: "What if no one will come?" (and a quick note, if I invite you, and you don't, you know, come. I won't invite you again. Not because I don't like you, but I can't cope with rejection twice ETA if I invite you and you forget to come, you are of course, forgiven. And the next time I will send you a written invitation embossed in gold, or something)
Secondly I fret: "What will we eat?" That's where my mother in law and her magical marinading of meats comes in handy. It's also where I've become a master delegator. When a potential guest offers to bring something, I shamelessly accept. Because then we get fruit platters like this.

When my friend at the party says: "What can I do to help?" I get her to take photos, because she is a prize winning photographer and she captures moments like this.....


Thirdly I worry: "How will I involve my children in this exciting day?" Yes, they make goody bags.....

Finally, after endless planning and fretting I inhale, exhale and enjoy the mealstrom of chaos created by 20 children and 14 happy adults.

And I eat cake. Lots of cake. (Made by another kind guest) And I wear a loose fitting dress, to fit in said cake.

What are your useful entertaining tips?