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

[Anonymous]

OP, we sail and spend a lot of time entertaining on our sailboat. One of the best things we purchased was inexpensive stemless clear plastic wine cups. They get so much use! And people love that they are lightweight, don't spill easily, and won't break. I think I got mine at Target. I have a set at home as well. They are great for patio drinking.

[Anonymous]

Glow stocks for the kids if they'll be there after dark. Target usually has a tube of bracelets in the dollar bins. Call them "Magic Wands".
Music is key.

Best lesson I learned from my sister: go to your own party. Relax, eat, drink and laugh and your friends will, too.

[Anonymous]

Chinette paper plates are very sturdy and also compostable...not too cute though.

[Anonymous]

Remember to act happy and gracious even if you're nervous because it will help people to feel more happy and comfortable. It will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If have a Dollar Tree or other true dollar store near by go buy $5 worth of red, white and blue decorations of some sort. napkins, plastic pitcher and something to put on table, bunting, small flags, anything r/w/b stripped something, a flag motif, 5 latex ballons, etc. it will help add a festive theme to the gathering on the cheap and / or google "cheap memorial day decorations" and look at the images that come up for easy but fun decoration ideas.

Great idea! Better than $5/plate at Pier one.

These are all GREAT ideas.

But now it does look like we might get rained out!

[Anonymous]

I notice when people make a bit of an effort when they entertain. It doesn't need to be everything, but just one nice element. For example, a homemade pie, or a pitcher of a special cocktail, or an appetizer that you can't just buy at Trader Joe's.

[Anonymous]

You have lots of good suggestions, OP, but I just wanted to add my 2 cents (as someone who has cooked extensively and entertained for years and years-and STILL gets
nervous before every gathering!

-the more you can do ahead of time, the better: all food prep made the day before, especially focus on cold salads that can be sitting overnight in the fridge and just brought out at serving time: corn salad with assorted chopped raw veggies, fruit salad, grain salads like Cava (barley or farro, wild rice, etc.).

-definitely bring a fan outside, will really help with mosquitos

-outdoor chairs are really cheap at Home Depot or Lowes, and would probably be more comfortable than your kitchen chairs...but throw a couple of plastic table cloths over any table
and you are all set. It will look festive and pulled together.

-have lots of cold drinks: sodas, sparkling water, beers, etc. People will drink more than you might think they would.

Have fun!
-

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

This stuff would not even register with me if I were a guest. Mismatched glasses are fine. I wouldn't expect you to use nice wineglasses outside, anyway. Your kitchen table is fine. Cover it with a big plastic tablecloth.

+1 Mismatched wine glasses sound great to me. It would make it easy for guests to keep track of which glass is theirs if they aren't identical, and possibly be a conversation starter. Paper plates are fine, too, as long as they're sturdy.

[Anonymous]

I totally disagree about needing to buy new wine glasses. The mismatched are fine, fun, quirky, and perhaps good convo. starters: "when did you go to x?"

Don't let the DCUMs make you feel like your backyard needs to be perfectly coordinated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are planning to serve chicken and cake ONLY, you will be fine. If you are serving only that, then you are definitely a poor host.

This.

OP when I'm reading through your posts, everything seems OK, but the menu if that is all you are serving. If that is all you can put together, do everyone a favor and order carryout.

[Anonymous]

Paper plates- the super thick/sturdy ones. Wine glasses don't matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are planning to serve chicken and cake ONLY, you will be fine. If you are serving only that, then you are definitely a poor host.

This.

OP when I'm reading through your posts, everything seems OK, but the menu if that is all you are serving. If that is all you can put together, do everyone a favor and order carryout.

Everyone is bringing a side. I'll do chicken, dessert (flag cake was a great idea!) , and sangria since that seems to be the most suggested idea!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are planning to serve chicken and cake ONLY, you will be fine. If you are serving only that, then you are definitely a poor host.

This.

OP when I'm reading through your posts, everything seems OK, but the menu if that is all you are serving. If that is all you can put together, do everyone a favor and order carryout.

Everyone is bringing a side. I'll do chicken, dessert (flag cake was a great idea!) , and sangria since that seems to be the most suggested idea!

NP, and I'd still make something extra- if everyone is bringing a side, I'd make an appetizer or salad - or even pick up some cheese and crackers. Then again, I'm one of those people who makes way too much food when entertaining, so take that with a grain of salt!

[Anonymous]

Are you going to play soft classical music or Billy Joel's greatest hits?

[Anonymous]

OP, youve gotten great suggestions! The morning of the BBQ i always whip up some cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon. They sit well in the fridge until you are ready to grill and they are easy to cook. Its a great side to any meal and people love them.

I would also do a yummy BBQ cocktail, like vodka tea with lemonade or something like that.