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[quote=Anonymous]This is about the size of our group every year OP.  You're getting good advice.  Here's mine:

- 1 month before, start clearing out your fridge/s.  Use up and get rid of every extra thing in there cus you will need every amount of space no matter what

- decide on your menu and then delegate parts of it as a pp identified above

- we do 2 turkeys (18-20 pounds each) plus extra drumsticks and 1 large ham

- stock up on saran wrap, paper towels, aluminum foil, big ziplock freezer bags, trash bags

- rent tables/chairs & consider renting a small canopy type tent if you have room (or buy one of those pop-up canopy tents that you can find at Costco or Target) & the weather might be inclement

- 2 weeks prior, get out all your china, silver, glassware and do a count to make sure you have enough.  Do the same with your platters & bowls.  I get out all my platters & bowls and actually label them.  Do the same with serving utensils

- do at least 2 self-serve beverage stations & decide where they will be.  Besides the things you normally want at a bar, the items I typically tend to forget until I look at my list from last year are:  bottle opener, cork screw, trash can w/liner, icing tubs for beer/wine/soda, tablecloth, bowls for bar fruit, ice bucket for clean ice for drink glasses, plastic drink glasses, paper towels to sop up spills b/c there will always be a spill, cocktail napkins

- have at least 2 spaces for appetizers.  For each spot:  tablecloth, paper plates & cocktail napkins, toothpicks, little plastic forks, serving spoons, baskets w/napkin liners if someone is bringing chips to go with dip or whatever, trash can w/liner & extra

- easy food items for guests to bring:  the ham (!!!), muffins and rolls, relish tray, salad/s, pies, appetizers, specialty dishes of preference, mac & cheese, cranberry sauce

- easy bar/beverage items for guests to bring (specify what brands & how much for each):  beer, wine, non-alcoholic cider, sodas, mixers, juices, 4-5 bags of ice (from someone who you know will be early [i]or not late [/i]!!!)

- you do food items:  2 turkeys (18-20 pounds each), mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, gravy, bar fruit

- carving board & electric carving knife for the turkeys, platters for serving

- a few extra aprons for your helpers, extra hot pads or hot mitts for your helpers, enough trivets or hot pads to protect your table

- have a quiet room or chill space for babies and toddlers (if any) and ask parents of little ones to bring their pac-n-play or something if you don't have one.  Set aside someplace for a changing station & leave a trashcan w/liner there

- be ready to shrug it off if something goes wrong or if someone forgets something.  People remember the emotions of the event more than they remember that Aunt Grace burned the pecan pie or Uncle Julio brought Yoohoo but forgot the tonic water

- in the bathrooms make sure you have extra tp visible, soap, towels for drying hands, air freshener

Above all, have fun, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride![/quote]

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