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Rich Day's avatar

Can’t say I really enjoy hosting, but for a few years in a row my company asked us to host the company Christmas party. Why? Cuz it was darn fun, that’s why! We did a casino night, literally transformed our house into a casino. Craps, roulette, blackjack… the dealers worn white shirts with black bow ties. The betting money? All the denominations had pictures of various company people on them. And IF you lost all of your money before the party was over, we had a list of things you could do to earn a little and get back in the game! Singing a carole was a BIG earner, but even getting someone a drink would get you enough for a few bets (we didn’t want anyone left out!). The last betting of the night was on the horse races, and we printed up race bet forms and played some horse races we had recorded on TV, and wow, ohhh wow, when the horses were heading for the finish line, the shouts were so boisterous it nearly blew the roof off! The end of the party was the chance to use your fake money winnings to buy gifts, so the big winners did better than the small winners. Yes, designing a party in a way that will include everyone and is fun for all is key, if you can pull it off. As for me, the host, I was on auto pilot at these parties, not much I had to do, the theme became the energy, and we did it in a way that would include everyone! I only did it a few years, and felt I’d done my part.

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Lori M's avatar

This is giving me courage. I recently moved into a new neighborhood- a cluster model where homes are fairly close to each other but nestled in and surrounded by trails, forest and meadow. I dream of events I'd like to host but fear I never will. Quiet nature walks with invitations at different spots. Tea ceremony in the forest. I remember one of the first gatherings I attended here. I was filled with anxiety but forced myself to go. The women of the neighborhood sat in a circle and gave a brief introduction. This always makes me tremble. I was surprised and comforted when someone self identified as an introvert and over half the women raised their hands in support and encouragement. Envisioning entertaining as creating experiences I'd like to attend and remembering how many of us are quiet ones helps.

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