invited people over for a picnic and they actually said yes--feeling overwhelmed and inadequate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Here's some specific things I feel self conscious about:

Outside table only fits 4 chairs. We will therefore bring out our kitchen table and chairs. A little odd, but hoping I can pull it off as quirky and fun! (At least we can sit outside. Their houses, while bigger, have no outdoor space).

No matching wine glasses! Somehow ours all broke! Should I get a set at Target? Or just use mismatched ones from wineries?

It's great to have a kids table and an adult table if the kids are old enough! If they're little, just put the two tables next to each other. And mismatched wine glasses are fine too. You're hosting a picnic for a bunch of young families--honestly if you put out a "buffet" of cheerios, goldfish, baby carrots, and watermelon the kids would probably be totally satisfied.

--someone who hosts Thanksgiving and Passover every year on folding card tables, with a precooked turkey from Harris Teeter.

[Anonymous]

Depending on age of kids, sparklers are fun. Water balloons for kids (although messy, fun - & they have those ones that you can blow up dozens at a time when you attach to hose all over the place right now)?

Smores in addition to cake? Adds to fun factor.

Definitely music (figure out a speaker situation). I would not even blink at your kitchen table outside. Use tablecloths that match for both tables (can get at hardware or party store if you don't have any).

Costco has really affordable & good food options including cake.

Dunno your weather forecast this weekend but ours looks iffy. That would be my biggest logistic to figure out (being able to be indoors if we needed to).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depending on age of kids, sparklers are fun. Water balloons for kids (although messy, fun - & they have those ones that you can blow up dozens at a time when you attach to hose all over the place right now)?

Smores in addition to cake? Adds to fun factor.

Definitely music (figure out a speaker situation). I would not even blink at your kitchen table outside. Use tablecloths that match for both tables (can get at hardware or party store if you don't have any).

Costco has really affordable & good food options including cake.

Dunno your weather forecast this weekend but ours looks iffy. That would be my biggest logistic to figure out (being able to be indoors if we needed to).

They are also illegal.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm the same way. But we do entertain fairly often. I always do a great job, but I kill myself preparing. I can't really enjoy the party because I am so stressed out about perfection. My mother is the same. Contrast that to my MIL. She entertains all the time. She is totally comfortable with last minute entertaining. She is completely relaxed. She can host a part for 5 or 55 with no advanced planning. She seems to have the amazing ability to just pull stuff out of the kitchen and make it work. Her house is always clean (they have help) but not perfect. A little clutter doesn't phase her. I stress out about a pencil left out on the counter when I entertain.

I guess my point is that some people are just naturally more relaxed. I would love to be more like that. I have friends who host and they will literally move stuff off the couch when people arrive so that they have a place to sit. We always have the most fun at their home. The only judging I am doing is wishing I could be more like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depending on age of kids, sparklers are fun. Water balloons for kids (although messy, fun - & they have those ones that you can blow up dozens at a time when you attach to hose all over the place right now)?

Smores in addition to cake? Adds to fun factor.

Definitely music (figure out a speaker situation). I would not even blink at your kitchen table outside. Use tablecloths that match for both tables (can get at hardware or party store if you don't have any).

Costco has really affordable & good food options including cake.

Dunno your weather forecast this weekend but ours looks iffy. That would be my biggest logistic to figure out (being able to be indoors if we needed to).

They are also illegal.

In Maryland, yes. Not in DC or VA.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm a big believer in using regular plates, silverware, and glasses...but I think glass stemware in a backyard is a little odd. If you are buying stuff, I would either look into plastic stemware or stemless glass wine glasses. I actually prefer (and have) the latter, but YMMV.

Otherwise, just relax and don't overthink this. You sound like a lovely and attentive host.

The only thing I would add is are you sure everyone you've invited eats chicken? Or are there any vegetarians? Also, I would suggest ice cream to eat with the cake. Maybe it's because I can't eat gluten and ice cream would still allow me to be polite and eat dessert, but I think a lot of people like ice cream in the summer.

[Anonymous]

This sounds fun, OP!

Here is what I would do:

Chicken on the grill, with a couple different sauces (I would do a mild BBQ sauce, a spicy BBQ sauce, and maybe the lemon/herb sauce from Nando's or something similar)
Hot dogs for kids with buns, ketchup, mustard, relish
Chips and dip (potato/French onion or corn/salsa)
Green salad with cut up red peppers, cucumber, tomatoes with a lemon vinaigrette (2 parts fresh lemon juice, 1 part olive oi)
Watermelon or other fruit salad
Pitcher with sparkling water and frozen fruit in it
Beer and/or wine
Cake

If you are planning on doing something like this more regularly, I would get a set of cheap stemless wine glasses to use in the back yard. I bought two sets of these and only use them for parties: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KIG3QVG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then get some cute paper napkins and paper plates and have fun! And I second the PP's suggestion to have a small glass of wine about half an hour before the party starts.

[Anonymous]

Plan on an activity for the kids - depending on their age do something as simple as going to dollar store and buying 10 beach balls they can kick around or twister or (again dollar store) get the kid-sized lacrosse or golf sets. And you could also consider instead of kitchen table for the kids to put out a big blanket and cushions and have them eat there. Have some trays as a solid surface for drinks maybe - but make it special for them. To me - if the kids are happy and engaged - it is the best part of a kid/adult party. And even the cake - maybe for the kids so a 'sundae bar' so its another activity for them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Here's some specific things I feel self conscious about:

Outside table only fits 4 chairs. We will therefore bring out our kitchen table and chairs. A little odd, but hoping I can pull it off as quirky and fun! (At least we can sit outside. Their houses, while bigger, have no outdoor space). Nobody cares! They will be happy to be outside and have a place to sit.

No matching wine glasses! Somehow ours all broke! Should I get a set at Target? Or just use mismatched ones from wineries? Nobody cares! Even get plastic ones if you want. I'd hate to be worried about breaking someone's good wine glasses anyway.

[Anonymous]

Wow, you need to relax, OP.

Here is the order of priorities:
1. Food.
2. Beverage.
3. No bugs.
4. Entertainment for kids.
5. Comfy seats.
6. Music.

No one cares about mismatched anything! But the food and liquid must be abundant and varied. You have to do something if your yard has mosquitoes. You have to provide some toys for the kids.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone! You're actually being super helpful for once. Hahahaha. I appreciate all the comments of "no one cares!" I just, in my mind, think they'll be standing there thinking "why is her yard 99% weeds?!"

I'll get tableclothes and stemless wine glasses. Good idea.

As for the kids, we've known each other for 5 years so the kids are fine just playing in the yard. We have toys but nothing special!

[Anonymous]

Use a meat thermometer. People tend to over-grill chicken and that dries it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Here's some specific things I feel self conscious about:

Outside table only fits 4 chairs. We will therefore bring out our kitchen table and chairs. A little odd, but hoping I can pull it off as quirky and fun! (At least we can sit outside. Their houses, while bigger, have no outdoor space).

No matching wine glasses! Somehow ours all broke! Should I get a set at Target? Or just use mismatched ones from wineries?

You can get super cheap wine glasses at Target. Throw out all your ones from wineries and get some new ones, they don't have to be fancy.

The table and chairs are totally fine. Though if you have friends who entertain, you can maybe rustle up a folding table and folding chairs. I have these and would gladly lend them. Put a table cloth on it and you're good to go.

[Anonymous]

Just make sure to have a bit more food than you think you'll need. And then, make sangria. Everyone freaking loves sangria. It makes everything feel "fancy". Make sure you add a little liquor in there (spiced rum is good) because the extra punch helps make it a real winner. Serve over ice and in small portions so everyone doesn't get drunk. Also see my first point about having plenty of food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely a fun adult drink and good music. Not sure why a PP recommended against paper plates, but as a guest I prefer them.

Yes, and I doubt she has 12 plates sitting around.