The Reluctant Hostess
The Oprah US|Volume 2. No 4 - 2022
After all those canceled and postponed plans, you want to invite people over, but...it’s been a long, weird while. From an everything-but-dinner get-together to a last-minute shindig, we’ve got four ways to get you back to hosting and toasting.
TISH DURKIN
The Reluctant Hostess

There are many reasons not to throw a party—especially now that we have hit the is it mostly kinda over?” stage of the pandemic. Just the question Should we have a bunch of people over?” leads to more questions, all of them nettled with cranky uncertainties: What if a new variant invites itself along with my guests?” How much does the temperature have to go down and the Covid numbers go up before I’m dealing with outdoor heaters?” Does Miss Manners have a rule about rapid testing?” And it’s not as if these new trepidations have done anything to banish the old ones. Covid could vanish and we’d still be worrying that our home is too cramped, our time too short, our cooking too blah....

But the reasons we most need to entertain right now flow directly from all the reasons we are most afraid to. The very fact that the pandemic forced us into such leaden isolation only sharpens our craving for light communion. You don’t need money, a mansion, or Ina Garten’s way with gratin to throw a fantastic party. You do need a Covid-combating plan negative test required? outdoor drinks? a picnic dinner?). And you need a concept. Not a concept as in an all-girl luau or Christmas in July although I keep meaning to do that), but as in an idea that acknowledges any shortcomings you may be dealing with and turns them into selling points.

Take it from me, someone with absolutely no decorating, cleaning, organizing, or culinary claims to fame: These are four parties that anyone can throw this season.

1 RAND RIGHT NOW COCKTAILS

This story is from the Volume 2. No 4 - 2022 edition of The Oprah US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Volume 2. No 4 - 2022 edition of The Oprah US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE OPRAH USView All
The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List
The Oprah US

The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List

Sumptuous reads that look as lovely on your coffee table as they do on your bedside table.

time-read
4 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Long Live YOU!
The Oprah US

Long Live YOU!

A head-to-toe guide to staying strong, sharp, healthy, and happy well into your platinum years.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
How to Manage Holiday Stress
The Oprah US

How to Manage Holiday Stress

Want to avoid family drama this year? Here are three ways to pregame.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays
The Oprah US

How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays

Time to put your party face on! These glam pros are sharing a look they love—and modeling it themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
On Everyone's Lips
The Oprah US

On Everyone's Lips

Carol Rasheed, the head makeup artist on The Color Purple, gives us a peek behind the scenes-and, thanks to her new lipstick collection, a memento.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide
The Oprah US

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide

Ding-dong, she's here! But fear not-so are we, with advice on managing this singular relationship with grace, humor, and lots of heart.

time-read
10 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
The Enduring Power The Color Purple
The Oprah US

The Enduring Power The Color Purple

It has captivated audiences as a novel, a movie, and a Broadway musical. On the eve of its latest incarnation, a sweeping musical feature film out on Christmas Day, we celebrate Alice Walker's universal saga of resilience and redemption with behind-the-scenes stories from the new book Purple Rising.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?
The Oprah US

Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?

Gratitude isn't just a topic for your annual turkey dinner. It's been scientifically shown to improve your health eating depression, boosting immunity, and lowering stress. These thank-you notes (plus an ode to a heartbreakingly loyal pup) will inspire you to make it a daily practice.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Volume 3. No 4 - 2023
Beam Me Up
The Oprah US

Beam Me Up

Bethany Heitman's self-esteem was tied to her clear skin, so dark spots sent her spiraling. Then she saw the light.

time-read
3 mins  |
Volume 3. No 3 - 2023
Turn Around, Bright Eyes
The Oprah US

Turn Around, Bright Eyes

After years of despising the puffy bags under her eyes, Rae Ann Herman found a surgeon she trusted and woke up refreshed in every way.

time-read
2 mins  |
Volume 3. No 3 - 2023