Hostesses With The Mostest > Entertaining and Hospitality
Advice for our July 4 party?
workerbee:
We recently bought a house with a pool and are looking forward to hosting our first 4th of July party! I'd love some advice on planning -- I am trying to keep it somewhat casual, but we have a lot of people we want to invite. Some with kids (we have two - 4 and 2) and some younger couples.
Right now the party is scheduled for 12-4pm. I would like to have an 'open house' atmosphere, with people free to drop in as they please, and stay as long as they like -- is there any way to convey this in the invitation?
As far as food, we are thinking we'll provide hot dogs, ice cream, and beer/wine/lemonade/tea. Is it tacky to suggest that people bring a favorite side dish?
Thanks in advance for your ideas!
NotTheNarcissist:
When you say "a lot" .... is that around 25-30? I think for menu planning fellow ehellions may need better breakdown of numbers. For ex, 20 adults + 10 children under 10 yrs old.
Activity wise you have the pool. We also have one. I stock up on pool toys at the dollar store or big lots prior to a party? Is this your first pool to own? There are some preventative tips if so.
Don't be surprised if they don't leave by 4p, even though the next day is a work day. Or maybe it's just my family that overstays.
Hmmmmm:
To convey that it is an open house, just say that.
Fourth of July Open House
Come by anytime between 1 and 4
The pool will be open and the hotdogs on the grill.
RSVP by June 22nd
For casual get togethers with neighbors/friends you host often, I'd be fine suggesting bringing sides. However, for an open house, I'm not sure it's feasible. Some people wlll think 'Oh, we're just dropping by for minute and don't plan to eat so won't take anything." But they get there early, only one other person has brought some chips and they snack away and you don't have enough.
I'd have additional munchies out and plan to provide at least a large amount of potatoe salad or baked beans as a side dish.
I think most will ask if they can bring something when they RSVP and then you can say "sure, if you'd like. What were you thinking of bringing?"
lowspark:
You can just call it an "Open House". People should know that means to drop by whenever and stay however long.
As far as bringing side dishes... I'm not sure how practical that is in an open house situation. Essentially the first ones to arrive will have fewer choices of sides (since many sides will arrive later) and the later ones to arrive will end up bringing things that don't really get eaten (since those who arrived earlier already ate).
EmmaJ.:
Have someone posted as a lifeguard - please! Especially if you don't know the swimming skill level of the visiting kids.
I had to jump in a pool (fully dressed) and grab a kid who was flailing on the bottom of the deep end. I still shudder just thinking about it.
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