Your Words
What’s the secret to a
happy family gathering?
An empty dish-
washer and trash
can before the
gathering begins.
JENNIFER CARLTON
ENGELHARDT
The secret to a
happy family gath-
ering for my family
is playing games
together, especially
board games.
JILL POSKIN,
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
We have a cell-
phone bucket at
the front door.
When we have
family over for din-
ner, everyone puts
their phone in the
bucket on silent.
HEATHER BROWN
SHARPE
Be organized and
prepare your meals
in advance so you
can spend quality
time with your family.
@MAUIDIANN
Make it inclusive.
Invite everyone and
be sure all feel wel-
come. At this time,
our country feels
more divided than I
can ever remember,
so though some
family members
might not agree
with everyone’s life
choices, we must all
respect the right for
each individual to
make those choices.
CATHERINE FOWLER,
LACEY, WASHINGTON
Let everyone help!
Everyone wants
to contribute,
and it really takes
a lot of stress
off you as host.
ANN LONG, EUREKA SPRINGS,
ARKANSAS
In our family,
the secret is very
simple: lots of food
and drink, and no
discussions about
politics or religion.
ELISA DENICHOLAS,
LAVALLETTE,
NEW JERSEY
Parents not looking
at how many treats
the children are
sneaking away with!
@AMONGALLOFTHIS
Our most wonderful
family gathering
yet was a simple
ice cream sundae
bar for dinner.
Everyone brought a
few of their favorite
toppings to sample.
The kids loved it, and
cleanup was simple.
KELLY DAVIS,
LANCASTER,
PENNSYLVANIA
Background music and
letting go of expectations.
@KAYLA_D_JONES
#RSLOVE “EVERYTHING ON HERE IS FROM
THRIFTING, UNDER $4, OR FREE!” @JENNAPARR
16 REAL SIMPLE NOVEMBER 2019
