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*Updated in last post* Pondering the Annual Halloween party
Of course I'm starting to think about Halloween for this year already. DH and I have in theory decided on the family costumes. But this year we're struggling with whether to have the party or not. We of course want to- we love hosting everyone and we don't want good costume ideas to go to waste!
If we do it, the date would be Sat, Oct 29. (Costumes mandatory again of course!) We don't mind the work involved (I do most of it anyway!) but the cost of the costumes and food and beverages and any decorations/furniture rentals can really add up.
Since you guys are the primary attendees, can you help answer a few questions to help us make a decision about what we're going to do?
1. If you've come, what are your thoughts on the afternoon vs. evening start time?
2. What did you think about it being outside last year? (Please don't fault me for making the mulled cider scalding hot- I wanted to warm you up, but not burn your entire mouths!!!)
3. We usually encourage BYOB to help with costs- is that cool?
4. If I was able (and that's a big "if") to let go of my themed menus, would BYOB AND potluck be just too much to ask?
5. Would you be super upset if we didn't do our annual gig at all? Were you already planning on attending before the evite even went out!?
I think I've got the potential menu pretty cheap without being crummy and still being themed. DH and I need to start really looking hard for inexpensive costume pieces for us. And maybe if I don't do crazy decorations or anything I can keep it all under $200.
Honestly, I think I'd rather host the Halloween party than Thanksgiving this year- the two of them together really kill the budget, especially with Christmas to follow. It's a 1-2-3 punch to the ol' thin wallet!!! On a related note, does anyone have any money tree seeds/saplings I could have?
Rock and Roll |
Re: *Updated in last post* Pondering the Annual Halloween party
1. If you've come, what are your thoughts on the afternoon vs. evening start time?
I've only been to the evening ones, but I dare say that any time of day that you throw a party would be awesome.
2. What did you think about it being outside last year? (Please don't fault me for making the mulled cider scalding hot- I wanted to warm you up, but not burn your entire mouths!!!)
Wasn't able to attend.
3. We usually encourage BYOB to help with costs- is that cool?
I would most definitely BYOB.
4. If I was able (and that's a big "if") to let go of my themed menus, would BYOB AND potluck be just too much to ask?
I would definitely BYOB and potluck if it meant that the party could happen.
5. Would you be super upset if we didn't do our annual gig at all? Were you already planning on attending before the evite even went out!?
I would be bummed since I could actually make it this year, but I also understand that you need to do what is best for your family.
1. If you've come, what are your thoughts on the afternoon vs. evening start time? T would sleep in the car so whatever works for you. But in order to keep ME from sleeping in the car, late afternoon/early evening is probably better!
2. What did you think about it being outside last year? (Please don't fault me for making the mulled cider scalding hot- I wanted to warm you up, but not burn your entire mouths!!!) I didn't make it last year but I agree, it would probably be more comfortable inside. Unless it's super warm, like 65 degrees outside.
3. We usually encourage BYOB to help with costs- is that cool? I assume all parties are BYOB!
4. If I was able (and that's a big "if") to let go of my themed menus, would BYOB AND potluck be just too much to ask? I LOVE potlucks....but I'm with Megan, I'd like to swap it for the costume
5. Would you be super upset if we didn't do our annual gig at all? Were you already planning on attending before the evite even went out!? I have wanted to come but it just hasn't worked out. I wouldn't be devastated (don't take that the wrong way!)
I agree that late afternoon/early evening is best to work around naps (if I can get Helen to take one).
I wasn't able to come last year (sorry, you lost out to Jon Stewart in DC) but I think indoors is a good plan unless you have an outdoor heater, especially if we're there after sundown.
BYOB is fine. Non-alcoholic punch or something like that would be appreciated.
Potluck is fine. I would even be willing to make something to fit your theme if you could provide me with a recipe (and it didn't include anything too difficult or expensive -- I'm not bringing 5 lbs. of lobster meat!)
I would cry for days if you cancelled your party. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but I love the fact that you have annual Halloween parties; it's the only party I ever get invited to that doesn't involve one of DH's relatives.
I'm all out of money trees and the seeds I planted this year never sprouted. I do however have party goods out the wazoo. I have lots of plastic Solo cups and utensils (DH bought jumbo packs at BJ's years ago) and I even have some Halloween themed napkins that I bought on clearance last year. I would be happy to contribute these to your shin-dig if it helps you put on the party.
It stinks because every year I have had the miss your parties and have to admire from afar.....Halloween is Preston's bday...plus I am not the costume type! LOL
But I don't think that you are asking guests too much by making it a potluck and BYOB! You are offering up your home!! Which means you do most of the setup and cleanup!!
Just my two cents....and hope to attend sometime!!!
Nestie Bio
Afternoon works best for us, due to naps/bedtimes etc.
I think with all the kids us nesties are accumulating that outside makes the most sense, they get to run around... and you don't have to take everything off the shelves under 4 feet
I wouldn't mind bringing/making something to bring, I would even be willing to follow a theme (if you were willing to give it out ahead of time!)
We love to attend (even DH!!) and I know the boys have a great time hanging out with all the other nestie kiddos, but I totally get it if it is getting to be too much for you guys!
I agree with all of this. I also agree with Megan's suggestion of swapping costume for a rockin' pot luck contribution. Call me a party pooper and I am all about the costumes for kids, but coming up with something for me and DH is tough and not my forte.
1. If you've come, what are your thoughts on the afternoon vs. evening start time?
We liked both and would be happy with whatever you chose!
2. What did you think about it being outside last year? (Please don't fault me for making the mulled cider scalding hot- I wanted to warm you up, but not burn your entire mouths!!!)
We liked it both outside and inside and would be happy with whatever you chose!
3. We usually encourage BYOB to help with costs- is that cool?
We are happy to add to the booze department.
4. If I was able (and that's a big "if") to let go of my themed menus, would BYOB AND potluck be just too much to ask?
Again, we would be happy to bring along a dish to share. Just let us know what. I would even be happy to bring a themed item that you tell me to make.
5. Would you be super upset if we didn't do our annual gig at all? Were you already planning on attending before the evite even went out!?
I might cry. I do REALLY love this party. But that being said, I completely get that it is expensive. If you decide not to do it, maybe we could get a group of Nestie moms, dads, and kids together for trick or treating? I know that most families have their own routines and schedules, but maybe we could do the Maine Mall trick or treating thing if it isn't actually held on Halloween. Or maybe we could pay a visit to the pumpkin patch or something.
Ditto all this!!! except the last part :-(
I'll be in Mexico this year, so I'll miss it if it happens, but it makes me sad to think that the tradition will end. That said, if it becomes more of a burden for you than fun, then you shouldn't do it. That said again, I (like everyone else I'm sure) would be happy to bring food, drinks, whatever to take some of the pressure off. The next time I can attend, that is.
Thanks so much for all of the input ladies! We appreciate it.
I've priced out our menu and costumes and misc stuff and I think it's a cost we'd like to take on since I've got it pretty budget conscious.
So the party is a go! 
We're still working out the details of where the action will be centered. Having the yard for the kids to run rampant is huge for us- our inside is SO small for all the kiddos plus adults; it makes it hard to move around. And we've got the play house and a little slide thing, plus James' kiddie table with a couple of chairs. But I hear ya when you say it can be cold, so we'll have the inside available too and try to make it fun socially to be in or out. The hard part will be where to put the food, since that's where people gravitate!
We'll stick to just BYOB, not potluck and I'm going to be a meanie with costumes again!
Everyone looked AMAZING last year- even the simple costumes were fantastic- so I know you can do it!
SOOOO... be on the lookout for an evite this week. The shindig will be Oct 29th starting at 2 I think, with no rain date.
I've got lots of folks email addresses, but if you're new or just have a new email, and want to get the invite, pop me a note at mrs.erikamay@gmail.com so I know what email to send it to.