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

[Anonymous]

I would have a few snack things for when people get there and food is cooking. REALLY simple stuff. Buy a bag of goldfish and pour in a bowl. Baby carrots and a bowl of ranch dressing or tub of hummus. Chips and salsa. Some juice boxes if the kids are little, or water with fruit in it.

Inevitably, some people are going to come late and bring sides late. It's nice to have some food out when people arrive.

[Anonymous]

ignore the people saying you should make something besides chicken and dessert. If everyone is bringing a side, that will be MORE than enough. Too much food is not elegant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you inspired me - I am going to bring out our kitchen table to the backyard next time we have people over! Our outdoor table also only seats 4 (although we often squeeze up a couple more chairs or else people eating standing or in casual shifts or else in lawn chairs nearby). I don't know why I never thought to bring out the kitchen table - brilliant!

Haha thanks! It only works if you, like us, have a super cheap little table. If you have a large, reclaimed barn door wooden table from Room and Board then no, it wouldn't work.

When I need an extra table inside or out, I do literally use a door. We have an old door we took off its hinges to open up space and we keep it in the basement. When we have extra company we haul it out, put it on folding sawhorses, cover with a tablecloth, and call it good. A sheet of plywood works just as well.

[Anonymous]

Costco - salads, chicken, breads, cheeses, drinks.

What is there to be stressed about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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!

My friend throws a big yard party every year. She puts a rug outside under the table, and scatters blankets around.

I'd buy a cheap set of glasses at home goods.

Use a tablecloth, and put mason jars with flowers on the table.

If you serve potato salad I'd make it from scratch; the store-bought ones have HFCS and are gross.

Have a game like badminton or croquet.

[Anonymous]

OP- can you comment on the menu? What all are you having? The table/yard/glassware sounds fine and nothing anyone would think twice about. However, what is the food/beverage situation? Did I miss that post?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP- can you comment on the menu? What all are you having? The table/yard/glassware sounds fine and nothing anyone would think twice about. However, what is the food/beverage situation? Did I miss that post?

On p.4, 08:46, it sounds like it was OP who wrote:
"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]

If everyone is bringing a side, make sure you have enough serving utensils. Some cheap metal from target or dollar store plastic is fine.

People mention dollar store, and I advise against dollar store plates and cups. Paper is fine but the super cheap ones do fall apart.

You're going to be fine! Some food against good friends are all you need.

[Anonymous]

You guys, is this the first non snarky helpful DCUM post ever?! Thank you!

List includes:
Sangria
Tablecloths
Jars with flowers (love this idea, so simple)
Wine glasses (on their way!)
Paper plates
Chicken and cake

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I got a set of these at Pier 1 and they have ended up getting a lot of use, because my kids like to drink out of them as well. I've had them for 2 years now, washed exclusively in the dishwasher, and the plastic isn't cloudy at all.

[Anonymous]

I live in the city and we do not have a yard. Now I really want to go to OP's BBQ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in the city and we do not have a yard. Now I really want to go to OP's BBQ.

Thank you this thread really did boost my confidence! I was feeling so self conscious about the weeds and cracked patio and dumpy house next door. Now I feel confident!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in the city and we do not have a yard. Now I really want to go to OP's BBQ.

I remember my days of my total yard envy when we lived in an apartment downtown - I now have a small yard and like OP have a lot of weeds in my yard and sometimes wish I did not have to deal with mowing and other maintenance Both have their appeal!

[Anonymous]

So this is an old article but just came up on my FB feed. I found it be totally appropriate for this thread!

"Scruffy hospitality"

http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/in-priase-scruffy-hospitality

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Paper plates are hard for a BBQ because people pile them up and they don't hold the food without breaking.

Chicken on the grill - ok. Have sauces?

Simple Green Salad and choice of bottled dressings - make or ask someone to bring it

Watermelon - slice it up

Potato Salad - make or buy or ask someone to bring it

Corn - grill some. Have butter on the side

Deviled Eggs - make some!

To Chips and salsa and/or guacamole; potato chips


NEVER invite someone over and then ask them to bring a dish. It's extremely tacky!

Cake - OK

Wine, beer, juice boxes, popsicles for the kids