Have you considered scheduling a weekly 'Tea'; with a set start and end time? When I was growing up, we had Sunday Tea. We always had our big meal of the day about 1 pm, and then a lighter, Brit-style 'Tea' around 6 pm. (What can I say, Mom IS British).
You set the table with a nice tablecloth and napkins. Maybe some fancy plates. Do little sandwiches without the breadcrusts and little fingerfoods. Then tell her that the party will last from say 5:30p til 6:00. After that she can leave, but if she leaves before that everyone else can too.
If nothing else, it might introduce her to the idea that the Hostess is SUPPOSED to be present THROUGHOUT the tea, attending to her guests.
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Date: 2010-08-28 10:48 am (UTC)You set the table with a nice tablecloth and napkins. Maybe some fancy plates. Do little sandwiches without the breadcrusts and little fingerfoods. Then tell her that the party will last from say 5:30p til 6:00. After that she can leave, but if she leaves before that everyone else can too.
If nothing else, it might introduce her to the idea that the Hostess is SUPPOSED to be present THROUGHOUT the tea, attending to her guests.