This is how you survive the class party
When your children go to school, a new world opens up. The world of nit-picking, secretly making surprises, friendship books, and the biennial class parties. If you have three children, that's six parties. I sometimes let it pass me by, but if I do go, I might as well go full throttle, so I organized it at home yesterday. That saved me some babysitting hassle. Here are some tips.
1. Make it cozy, but don't overdo it
Soon there will be at least thirty people in your house, and they really won't be counting dust bunnies. So just like with your clothing: focus on the eye-catchers. Put a candle by the front door, make your hallway cozy, and you'll already make a nice entrance. Empty your tray of knick-knacks into a drawer, brush your hair, and honestly, it's good enough. Don't stress about a playlist either, because it will be so noisy that no one will hear it.
2. High on your own supply
Call me an intensely spoiled person, but I'm quite picky when it comes to wine. I've been told that Princess Beatrix also has her own bottle of wine with a personal wine pourer. It doesn't go that far for me, but if such a party has to take place in my own house, I occasionally sneak to the kitchen for a glass of buttery Chardonnay. Everyone can drink with me, but most people chuckle at my glasses.
3. Or drink beer
Look, class parties are not a three-course dinner. There are chips, there are nuts, there is wine, and there is beer. You can't expect the most exclusive wine to be served if you donate four euros per person (although ours was very well tasted and approved by top class mom M), but if you want to play it safe, avoid the screw cap and go for green. You really won't get a pounding head from a pint of Heineken.
4. Eat beforehand
Have a little something in your stomach. Soon you'll be standing the whole evening with a glass in hand, and you won't be able to eat the snacks because you're talking so much. The last thing you want is to get drunk at a class party.
5. Practice a little
Ask the teacher for a list of names. Which parents belong to which child. You don't have to endure a CITO-worthy test, but it saves you from awkward blunders if you know that this couple is lesbian and that those two are separated.
6. Go home on time
Take the babysitting card. Make sure you're not a burden to the host and leave before the highlight, at least before midnight.
7. Book the cleaner
Just the next morning, for an hour. Just a quick mop, because you really don't want to do that.
8. Note to self
If you're not only the class party hostess but also a crossing guard, make sure your shift isn't the morning after the party. Ouch.
