Engagement Party!?

drak0094

My sis just got engaged and Im planning on throwing her an engagement party- anyone have any ideas?  There are about 30-40 people coming, party will be in April (we live in MN so weather is still really cold), wedding will be in October. 

TIA!

TarHeels&Rebels

What are you thinking?  Casual cookout, sit down dinner, cocktail party, themed event?  Daytime or nighttime?  We have great ideas, just need to know a little more of what you're thinking.  Is budget a big concern?

Here, e-parties are cocktail parties, often with live music and dancing.  Drinks, hors d'oeuvres, men wear ties.  If you'd like to know more about that, I can write a novel.

  

drak0094

Oops!!  Sorry bout that

 So it will be early afternoon on a Sunday- here is what I am kinda thinking- but have never done one of these before so not totally sure..

Two ideas:

1) Their first date was to a fancy fondue restaurant, so Im thinking do all different kinds of cheese and chocolate fondues with lots of veggies/breads and fruits/deserts to dip???  have no idea what would be favors or invites or decor.. (not even sure if this would be good since it is not a dinner party- but early afternoon?!)

2) They are going to the carribean for their honeymoon- so maybe a beach theme?  with fun drinks, snacks, etc.  I think decor for this would be easy, but more ideas would be helpful!

One more thing to note: she doesnt really like a ton of attention, so she mentioned anything that is done to be kept low key and not to crazy! Thanks everyone!

 

Wine Enthusiast

I would go for the beach theme for an afternoon party but you can still incorporate the fondue, especially a chocolate fondue with Tropical fruits as dippers.

I had a beach theme reception and purchased some of the decorations off oriental trading.  My sister had ordered me a personalized Congratulations sign in a tropical theme from there which was cool.  Tropical flowers in a vase on tables. 

Rum Runner is a common tropical drink but you can add a cute umbrella to about any mixed drink and it looks tropical. 

Mere7706

I don't know if I have much advice or suggestions but I think fondue for 30-40 people would be tough and not really do-able, unless you have a lot of fondue pots.

vjcjenn1

I would a chocolate fondue fountain...perhaps you can borrow one from someone or rent it...with marshmallow, rice crispie treats, strawberries, pound cake....then a small sheet cake to say congats...

Also have champagne toast...

 Shrimp Cocktail display

little sandwiches, veggie platter, cheese board, and a hot dip

lsgarver

I would do the beach theme.  People will be happy to see a version of summer in April and I think fondue logistics will get tricky with that many people.  Plus, serving fondue cocktail-style (not seated) can get really messy really fast.

Oriental trading or party supply stores should make beach decor easy to come by.

Coconut shrimp, jerk chicken skewers, tropical fruit display, fruit salsa or chutney all could be menu items.  Drinks are super easy--pina coladas, rum runners, sex on the beach, blue hurricanes.

Meels12

A beach theme seems like it'd be the perfect casual affair, both for your sister's taste and for your own ease!  Here are a few party food tips that might help:

http://eating-made-easy.com/2010/10/19/easy-party-ideas/

 Don't overwhelm yourself with too much, that's the key!

finchmary

Buy a lot of stuff that she likes..her clothes...make a collage of all the beautiful memories you had together and embed them in a single photograph:)