subject: Family Gatherings And Keeping The Peace [print this page] Family gatherings are wonderful for catching up an getting together. Unfortunately, in many families there are also moments of tensions. Grudges can be held even if no one remembers why. There may be picky aunt or in-law who refuses to eat anything you cook, because they still lament your marriage. There are endless reasons why someone may want to start a new argument or fire up a new one, so here are a few ways to keep down the tensions at your next family event.
Picker Eaters
If some picky eaters are coming to your house, invite anyone who wants to bring a dish, to do so. That way if they only like their own cooking, they can still eat something. A delicious meal can calm nerves. Others can taste their dish and compliment them. As the host, be the first one to do so.
Make it feel like Home
People are less likely to argue if they are comfortable. You may need to coddle the difficult people. Make the people feel like they are in your house. If they want to help tidy up in the kitchen, let them. Yes, this may be a sneaky way for them to peep into your private drawers. Before the party, do some good planning.
The Line Between the Party and the Private.
There is a very fine line between keeping private items hidden, while making your home look inviting. One of the big stresses of a family get together is knowing someone will try to find their way into your underwear drawer. If they don't make a beeline for the undies, they may look at your checkbook. Lock away any items that you don't want your guests to see, touch, or taste.
Some hosts have been tempted to rope off an area that they don't want the guests to enter. Unless you live in a mansion that was turned into a museum, this is a bad idea. This is the type of action that can easily launch a long standing family feud. If you have a newly furnished room that you want to keep looking brand new for as long as possible, there are other ways to handle the situation.
If the room has a separate door, keep it closed, and if possible, locked. If the room is open to the rest of the house, keep the lights in that room turned off. A dark room will keep wanderers away. You can also set all of the other rooms in the home with obvious party accouterments, such as napkins, plates, balloons, and alike. Make gentle hints to the guests as they enter, like please make yourself at home in the den. Let them know that everything is set up in the kitchen. They will get curious if there are forbidden rooms. Agree with the person if you want to avoid an argument.
