I hire a 'party helper' for $15 an hour whenever we host. Now, I actually enjoy entertaining.

Recently, I began hiring one of our babysitters to be a "party helper "when we host at our house.

Courtesy of Jen Larson Roesler For a long time, hosting was stressful for me and could even cause strain on my marriage .

Once we began hiring one of our babysitters as a "party helper," hosting became easier and more fun.

For $15 an hour, she helps us clean, decorate, grab last-minute essentials, and more.

Our 6-year-old birthday-party guests and their parents will arrive in 15 minutes (plus that one family who always shows up early and asks, "What can we do to help?" For starters, please don't come early.) I'm in the kitchen digging through drawers for birthday candles.

From another room, I hear one of my sons yell, "Uh-oh! Mom!" Ice — I remember we still need more ice.

Always more ice.

My helpful husband is out in the driveway doing something with the leaf blower.

Always something with the leaf blower.

No matter how much I plan, in the frenzied minutes before any birthday party, holiday gathering, or backyard barbecue , I end up the same: Overwhelmed, irritated, and for some reason, sweaty.

Instead of looking forward to seeing everyone, I wish we had never invited anyone over in the first place.

Did I actually hate entertaining? Or did I just need more help? Hiring a 'party helper' shifted my mindset around entertaining A "party helper" costs about the same as a babysitter, but the calm it brings is worth so much more.

Courtesy of Jen Larson Roesler Hosting a house full of friends and family, laughing and connecting, is one of my husband's and my greatest joys.

I know people are coming to see us and not our "perfect" house, so I shouldn't stress.