I’ve been writing a lot lately about home entertaining – everything from boisterous family gatherings fuelled by board games and pizza to elegant garden parties spilling out from our orangery. But one area I felt I needed to explore in more depth was entertaining for our more senior loved ones. It’s about creating an environment that’s truly accessible, comfortable, and above all, enjoyable. So, I sat down with Louie, a regular at our local community centre, to pick his brains about what makes a gathering genuinely special for seniors.
“Louie, thanks for chatting with me. I’m trying to understand what makes a great get-together for older folks,” I started.
Louie chuckled, a warm, friendly sound. “Well, first off, don’t make us feel like we’re being ‘entertained’ as in ‘kept busy.’ We want to feel included, valued.”
Crafting Memories: A Relaxing Arts and Crafts Session
That really struck a chord. Then I had an idea to build a day around arts and crafts and mentioned my thought to Louie. He lit up. So I asked him how he thought to organize a stimulating and enjoyable arts and crafts session for seniors.
“Arts and crafts are a fantastic idea!” Louie exclaimed, “But keep it simple, eh? We’re not aiming for masterpieces! Think easy to execute, things that don’t need too much fiddling or super-fine motor skills.” He suggested painting with watercolours, making simple beaded jewelry (large beads, easy clasps!), and creating personalized greeting cards. I suggested some seasonal ideas, like making simple paper snowflakes for winter or painted plant pots in the spring.
Accessibility is Key
I also needed to provide accessible workstations. This meant good lighting, ample space, and comfortable seating. I was going to need to clear out a large table in the dining room and ensure everyone had enough room to spread out. No clutter! “And comfy chairs!” Louie chimed in, reading my mind. “We’re not sitting on the floor anymore, you know!”
The Social Glue: Conversation and Collaboration
“It’s not just about the craft itself,” Louie emphasized. “It’s about the chat, the laughs, the feeling of being part of something.” He suggested encouraging conversation and collaboration. Maybe provide some prompts – old photos, news clippings, or even just a general topic like “What’s your favourite holiday memory?” Soft background music can help create a relaxed atmosphere, but nothing too loud that would drown out conversation. Remember those sensory preferences I mentioned? Loud noises can be overwhelming.
Food for Thought (and Tummies!)
Then I asked Louie about food. This is an area I am good at but I wanted his take on it.
“Ah, the food!” Louie grinned. “Simple, tasty, and easy to eat. Think finger sandwiches, small cakes, fruit salad… nothing too rich or difficult to manage.” Dietary needs are crucial to consider. Find out if anyone has allergies or dietary restrictions (diabetes, low-sodium diets, etc.) and plan accordingly. Offer alternatives! Water is always a good idea, as well as tea, coffee, and maybe some juice.
The Orangery Advantage: Bringing the Outdoors In
I considered hosting the arts and crafts session in the orangery. “If the weather’s good, that’s a lovely idea!” Louie said. “Plenty of natural light, and you can open the doors to let the fresh air in.” The orangery offers a bright, airy space with views of the garden, which can be incredibly calming and uplifting. Plus, it eliminates any concerns about mobility issues navigating stairs, assuming the orangery is on the ground floor.
Beyond the Crafts: Adapting Other Activities
The chat with Louie was incredibly helpful. It made me think beyond just arts and crafts. Even something as simple as a movie afternoon can be adapted. Choose films with clear storylines and familiar faces. Provide large-print subtitles. Turn the volume up a bit. And of course, plenty of cushions and blankets for ultimate comfort. Remember, it is not about being patronising it is about making it relaxing and enjoyable.
Bringing it All Together
Entertaining seniors is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable, valued, and engaged. Keep activities simple and accessible, prioritize conversation and collaboration, and cater to their individual needs and preferences. By paying attention to detail and creating a relaxed atmosphere, you can host events that will leave your elderly guests feeling happy, connected, and cherished. It is about enjoying their company as they have many years of wisdom and experience.
