Hi all,
Can I please ask all you experienced party hosts for some guidance and calming words?
I am starting to get organised, (now that we've decided to stay in our own house for Christmas), for having an "at home" on 26th December for our neighbours. It is DD's 6th birthday, but while we will have a cake, this is not her "Party" (there will be a party for her schoolfriends once they go back to school in January). It is as much about having a get together with the neighbours and relaxing together which happens to fall on her birthday. Sort of "come by anytime that suits from 3ish til 6ish" (which will probably mean the last not going home until the wee hours as some of us are sociable enough
).
I was thinking about 2 different dishes from turkey (a curry and a turkey/mushrooms/turkey and wine sauce), both of which can be served with rice. But people may not want turkey (and we may cook goose anyway), so I am also toying with the idea of making a large batch of a lamb curry in the next few weeks and freezing most of that as one main (different, and less work on the day).
Some nibbly bits beforehand - vol au vents or little quiches (from the store), small bruschettas (homemade), crisps and dips, carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes.
Birthday cake to follow, with mince pies, cookies, sweets (all homemade) and a box of biscuits. A cheeseboard to put out for people to go at themselves. Jelly and icecream for the children (possibly up to 9 ranging in age from 2 to 12).
Wine, beer, soft drinks, mulled wine?, tea/coffee.
I need to think about whether to keep it to the neighbours (probably wouldn't ALL come in, and would be coming and going all evening as various family events have to be factored in too, but could be up to 16 adults and 9 kids), or invite the relatives we have living in the area also (most probably wouldn't come, but if they did, that could be up to another 13 adults and 5 kids). Considering the time of year and weather could keep us all indoors. Hmmm....
Also, do I let the kids entertain themselves with their presents, or organise games for them (to suit all - boys and girls). And what do 12 year old boys like to do anyway?!
I am getting more used to having people over, but mostly its been small groups or middle of summer (when I can send the kids outdoors to run around). I have 2 rooms for guests - the living room with suite to sit 5 (and usually a few on arms of chairs too) and the open fire and tree; and the kitchen/diner/playroom where the main table sits 6 (I can fit 8-10) and there are 2 more easy chairs, and a unit with cushions that 2-3 more can sit on, and a small table that can seat 4-5 kids on stools. There's a bit of circulation room there too, and if it's dry, I can open the door into the back garden.
Bearing in mind that it's the day after Christmas (and shops are mostly closed here for both days), what should I need to organise now and have prepped/organised in advance, and does anyone have a list of tips to bear in mind as I get ready (and a checklist to run through about lunchtime on the day)?
Slightly panicked at the thought, although I know I CAN do it (but I may need my head examined before its all over).
Wings
Can I please ask all you experienced party hosts for some guidance and calming words?
I am starting to get organised, (now that we've decided to stay in our own house for Christmas), for having an "at home" on 26th December for our neighbours. It is DD's 6th birthday, but while we will have a cake, this is not her "Party" (there will be a party for her schoolfriends once they go back to school in January). It is as much about having a get together with the neighbours and relaxing together which happens to fall on her birthday. Sort of "come by anytime that suits from 3ish til 6ish" (which will probably mean the last not going home until the wee hours as some of us are sociable enough
).I was thinking about 2 different dishes from turkey (a curry and a turkey/mushrooms/turkey and wine sauce), both of which can be served with rice. But people may not want turkey (and we may cook goose anyway), so I am also toying with the idea of making a large batch of a lamb curry in the next few weeks and freezing most of that as one main (different, and less work on the day).
Some nibbly bits beforehand - vol au vents or little quiches (from the store), small bruschettas (homemade), crisps and dips, carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes.
Birthday cake to follow, with mince pies, cookies, sweets (all homemade) and a box of biscuits. A cheeseboard to put out for people to go at themselves. Jelly and icecream for the children (possibly up to 9 ranging in age from 2 to 12).
Wine, beer, soft drinks, mulled wine?, tea/coffee.
I need to think about whether to keep it to the neighbours (probably wouldn't ALL come in, and would be coming and going all evening as various family events have to be factored in too, but could be up to 16 adults and 9 kids), or invite the relatives we have living in the area also (most probably wouldn't come, but if they did, that could be up to another 13 adults and 5 kids). Considering the time of year and weather could keep us all indoors. Hmmm....
Also, do I let the kids entertain themselves with their presents, or organise games for them (to suit all - boys and girls). And what do 12 year old boys like to do anyway?!
I am getting more used to having people over, but mostly its been small groups or middle of summer (when I can send the kids outdoors to run around). I have 2 rooms for guests - the living room with suite to sit 5 (and usually a few on arms of chairs too) and the open fire and tree; and the kitchen/diner/playroom where the main table sits 6 (I can fit 8-10) and there are 2 more easy chairs, and a unit with cushions that 2-3 more can sit on, and a small table that can seat 4-5 kids on stools. There's a bit of circulation room there too, and if it's dry, I can open the door into the back garden.
Bearing in mind that it's the day after Christmas (and shops are mostly closed here for both days), what should I need to organise now and have prepped/organised in advance, and does anyone have a list of tips to bear in mind as I get ready (and a checklist to run through about lunchtime on the day)?
Slightly panicked at the thought, although I know I CAN do it (but I may need my head examined before its all over).
Wings
