Holiday Parties

[Anonymous]

In our neighborhood everything is alway a potluck. always. So sick of it. It's as if no one wants to take the responsibility of pulling together a menu. And somehow people feel less obligated to the host, to offer a return invite when it's potluck.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to serve dinner. You just need to have the party at a time that doesn't cover the dinner hour. That means end by 7 at the latest (and call it a cocktail party). Or start it at 8 or something and people will know to eat before.

[Anonymous]

I hate potlucks. I hate having to drag something with me, make sure it is the proper temperature, bring proper severing pieces etc and then have to drag the dirty dish home afterwards.

[Anonymous]

what's an off hour? 3pm? 4pm?

Lots of kids, so I wouldn't expect it to last more than 1.5 - 2 hrs

[Anonymous]

A friend of ours always does a holiday party with many many desserts (she bakes them all) and some sandwiches etc. Party generally runs on a Sat. or Sun. from 1-5. And I, too, hate it when people ask me to bring something and even worse, when they insist on bringing something to my house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I think it's a little tacky to ask guests to bring something to your holiday party. To lighten the load on yourself, buy some stuff pre-made in addition to your existing menu, like a nice platter of meat/cheese/olives. And don't forget the sweets even if it's an "appetizer only" party. If there are kids, they will appreciate something like cookies, as will adults with a sweet tooth.

+1

[Anonymous]

Got it. Not asking anyone to bring anything.

Will make some appetizers, buy some, and instead of handing out cookie boxes, will set out a big tray of cookies

Remaining questions

1. What time? 3?
2. What to say on the invite?

[Anonymous]

Between lunch and dinner, so 2 or 3 until 4 or 5.

Not sure what your issue is with the invite. You don't have to specify what you're serving especially when it's at a time that is between lunch and dinner. People will figure it out. Relax.

[Anonymous]

I had a cocktails and appetizers party at 3:30 pm 2 weeks ago. We served shrimp cocktail, empanadas, stuffed mushrooms, a fruit and cheese platter, two dips with baguettes and crackers, and various desserts.

[Anonymous]

i just had a holiday party and told me to bring something if they want. hope it wasn't tacky...i had a ton of food too.
alot to feed 40 people.
i always bring something anyway to these things...

[Anonymous]

If you don't want to serve dinner, you need to have the party earlier in the day. Start at 2, that way people can get out before dinner time.