NYE party turning into a saga....need advice

Well, how in the heck do I know where you are? You could be next door. Hey, is that you?

I shouldn't assume you are distant.

If you know anyone with the small folding chairs, they take up little space and beat sitting on the floor. We have about 24.

 
We are in Minnesota just outside Minneapolis so a bit far for the chairs....

...however, we do have some so that should be okay. My concern is less a place to sit than a place to set a plate. We don't have a ton of tabletop space here. Our home is very open and airy and not a lot of extraneous tables. We do have a double card table that I can dress up and we will use our patio table (that can seat 10) but other than that, there isn't a lot of table top space. That is why I wanted to use the tops of a couple of coffee tables...will add loads more room

Thanks for thinking of me and all the great ideas.

Kathleen

 
If you have one or could borrow one, a big roaster would bake and hold the potatoes easily. and

I think Gretchens pulled pork is not real red/bbq-y, more roasted and just pulled with a vinegar sauce added or on the side. maybe a sandwich bar? cold cuts and hoagie rolls and tortillas for wraps? hot dogs and polish dogs with fixins. chips. veggies. the wieners can be kept warm in crockpots or roasters, but then there's the ketchup and mustard issue. whatever you serve, it will be appreciated and enjoyed with everyone.

 
a table for kids: 2 1"x6"s on concrete blocks....

placed on a runner rug or a blanket on the floor--instant table.
Good luck with yor party-I hope it warms up before NYE. I'm farther north in MN.

 
I'd still go weith the baked potatoes - you can do them in your oven and

hold them in a cooler - they'll stay hot for quite a while that way. I think ultimately, it would be easier than doing a prepped potato dish for that size crowd.

 
My mom's in Bloomington, Sis in Apple Valley...

and 10 aunts and uncles and a couple first cousins in the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul with lots of tables they'll be happy to loan.

 
My favorite parties are standing. It helps keep conversation casual and ongoing...

I think conversation flows better...Let the kids sit (parents will be up & down dealing with them anyway) and have a few seats for adults that want to take a load off. But I'd say the parties I had the most fun at were ones where we all end up standing in the kitchen, enjoying food & drink. Seatted just seems to take the life out of things (not everyone can hear and people feel inclined to stay in their seat rather than circulate.)

If you do decide to go with chairs, let your neighbors know you need some seatting. They'll jump in on the action.

The corn pudding sounds good. Nice side with the pulled pork. Easier to eat than a baked potato and it's good even if it's not super hot.

I like the pulled pork with Dawn's Thai BBQ sauce. Mmmm....

 
TV trays are great for scattering about to set drinks and dishes on. cover them with small cloths--

even roughly cut lengths of fabric will look good. maybe neighbors have some of those that can be borrowed.

 
Kathleen, I really like the corn pudding idea. If you really feel a need for potatoes,

would potato salad be out of the question? I know it's not picnic weather, but it's a do-ahead crowd pleaser.

I know Gretchen always serves coleslaw, and puts it on the sandwich.

(Potato chips would be fine too, especially if they're original Ruffles.)

 
For this many people, unless you are a Rockerfeller or plan to rent a tent and furniture

my advice to you is heavy heavy hors d'ourves, something big and meaty like a ham - I like the idea of buns and fun mustards - and something starchy (go for the potatoes!!). I did a birthday party for 72 once, yes, I counted! People were spilling out all over the place, it was mayhem and great fun! I had two huge tables filled with food and a separate table for desserts, oh and 3 bars! The kids had a corner all to themselves and that was just fine. After the party, I had the carpet cleaned and furniture cleaned and since it was my (ex)boyfriends house decided not to repaint. How does one spill red paint down the walls??!!

Anyway, your menu sounds great, just make it easy on yourself, don't worry about people sitting to eat, and don't forget the party hats and noisemakers for midnight! wish I could come!

 
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