Okay...I give up.

by HadEnuf 24 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  JH

  Rat is a photoshop "God"
• 

  hubert

  Cathy, Don't feel alone. I never did one, either, and somehow I got in charge of doing the New England Apostofest !

  The difference is, Mine will be at an Inn. That's the only place I could find to hold it. I was just looking for a restaurant big enough to handle us, and a place to stay for the evening, to have drinks, chat, and socialize. It's turning out to be a lot tougher than I thought, but I am planning on going through with it. I may not do the next one, but I am determined to finish this one out. LOL !!

  A suggestion for you. If you don't want your hubby to be at the grill all day, how about having a few dishes catered in, such as...Chicken wings, finger sandwiches, macaroni, salad, potato salad, and whatever else you want. These caterers even supply the coffee if you want it. The caterers come back the next day, and pick up the coffee urn and utensils, and that's it. I did this for my daughters high school graduation party, and it worked out well. That will cut out a lot of the work. It's really not that expensive. Look into it. Check out a couple of caterers. They have assorted menus to choose from. Don't forget to put out the sprinkler for the kids, or games to play. Good luck, Cathy, and don't get discouraged. Think positive.

  Hubert
• 

  HadEnuf

  Thanks for the encouragment Hubert. I guess I am probably overreacting anyway...BUT...my husband and I did actually discuss having a few items done by either a caterer or one of our local grocery stores, which has a really good deli.

  I guess the most important thing isn't the food, but meeting all my friends from the forum (who can make it) and establishing, hopefully, some long-lasting friendships. (Unlike those JW friendships which are unlikely to last in the long term scheme of things).

  I shall absolutely take your advice under consideration Hubert. Good luck with YOUR apostafest. Hope it all turns out well! You'll have to post all your pics and stuff on the forum!

  Hug...cathy l.

  p.s. MR. RAT...you ARE a photoshop god...I'm jealous.
• 

  hubert

  ((((Cathy))))

  Thanks....Hubert
• 

  bavman

  Just keep the pool filled with beer Cathy, all will be fine. Oh and take a DEEP breath, relax, no elders will be watching...
• 

  Princess

  Cathy,

  I've had two 'fests at my home during the summer and one after Christmas where I rented a hotel banquet room. All had very large numbers and people came from out of state/country. I always get really nervous about it but have learned the following:

  1. Don't overthink this thing. It will run itself.

  2. I ask people to bring food or drinks and provide a cooler full of ice. I provide hamburgers and hot dogs/sausages etc, along with paper plates, cups and plasticware. You do NOT want to spend the day washing dishes.

  3. Stick the husband at the grill. He wants to do this. You are doing him a favor.

  4. Have a place for people to sit so they can talk.

  That's about it really. Music is good but not mandatory.

  *when the crazy arrives, escort her out immediately. It will save you a lot of trauma later. This comment will mean nothing to those who didn't attend the Seattle Post X-mas Extravaganza.

  Feel free to PM me with questions if you want.
• 

  cruzanheart

  Chris and I have done a bunch of these, and they're pretty easy, though we stress out beforehand too -- that's normal! Princess gives great advice, as do the rest of the posters on this thread. I usually cook a ham (something I KNOW I'm good at) and make sure a few people I can count on will bring things like rolls, salad, and dessert. Everyone else I tell, bring what you like and if you can't think of anything, bring beer! That usually works out great. Paper plates and plastic cups are a MUST.

  And if you run out of anything, send someone to the store.

  Don't worry, you'll have fun!

  Nina
• 

  cruzanheart

  Oh, and if anyone goes to sleep on the sofa, cover them up and then make them help clean up the next morning! (Thanks, Elsewhere!)

  Nina
• 

  ButtLight

  Mumsy, Mumsy, Mumsy!

  No worries. If your hubby doesnt want to sit at the grill, my bf would be glad to do it. You will have plenty of side dishes coming. And if you would like, I can also pick up things like paper plates, forks, ketchup and all that good stuff, so your not stuck with all of it. Have everyone bring their own booze and coolers full of Ice. We can all help clean up as we go too, if you keep a few garbage cans out, one for trash, one for beer bottles. It will be just fine, you have plenty of people to help you out! Once you get a head count, you could also assign things to the people so you dont get too much of the same thing. Me, my bf and jh would be glad to come early also and help you, were not that far away! I have to agree with Dustin, your kitty pool full of ice, and we should be just fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smile, it will be great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• 

  Preston

  I give up too....lets have a daquri!

  - Preston