Thread: Yet another happy 2010 party host :]

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My boyfriend and I had our party on Saturday and I am shocked at how well it went! This was my first real party and I'm quite proud of myself! I figured I'd give you guys a little summary of what I did, what worked and what didn't.

I had been gathering info and planning different aspects of the party since August, trying out different recipes for the menu and I'm really glad I did because I had my fair share of flops. I used the blank ouija template floating around this site to make my invites, so thank you to the talented user who created it! I invited about 24 people and got about 14. People do not RSVP. After some prodding, I got a few "no" RSVPs, a few who changed their minds a week before (thanks, people), and ~4 no-shows. Kind of irked about that stuff but I don't think it hurt the party with them not being there.

I was pretty nervous as to how our guests would mix since our respective groups of friends have a large age gap (my boyfriend is 31 years older than me). It seemed like everyone was talking to one another, regardless of age. Coincidentally, my boyfriend's sister and brother-in-law were in town from across the country and they were able to come, which was great! I wanted to do the winking murderer game, but I really didn't think that'd fly. I'm kind of glad I didn't, but I might still do it next year if I can get a larger crowd. The room got really hot really quickly, so I had to keep opening windows, and some people even went outside and sat. We were also lacking in indoor seating. I will consider folding-chair rental next time. You need a big time helper... My boyfriend got kind of scatter brained and did his own thing, but my sister was there to help me and as a veteran hostess, she knew just what needed to be done and had some very clever ideas. I would have been lost without her!

I decided my costume a day before the party and had to construct it... I made final alterations 10 min before the party was due to start, then I did my makeup. Then I had to do my boyfriend's costume and makeup (his was easier). In case you were wondering, we went as the Witch and the Hunter from Left 4 Dead. I still needed to make the guacamole and once people started arriving, it probably took me 45 min to make it when it would have taken me 10. Get everything cooked well in advance.

The menu! I started with a MD crab dip with crackers and had some cashew things and truffles out in bowls and cupcakes out early as well. The guacamole was a little later than I'd wanted it to go out. My mother volunteered to make a turkey meatloaf and shape it in a mummy form and I baked it at my boyfriend's house. I did not expect to be a hit, but everyone loved it! We had 2 Halloween wines, a Poe beer, a woodchuck cider variety pack, apple cider, and sodas. I made a pound cake with the Wilton skull cake mold and nobody touched it! They marveled at its appearance and I guess no one wanted to ruin it, even after I started slicing the top off.

I forgot to put a few things I had cooked on the table! A potato side dish, a pumpkin pie, and I forgot to put out the sodas of all things. Next time, I will make a list of everything I have and make sure it all gets released from the fridge.

People began leaving (mostly just a group with a pregnant girl who needed her rest) so there was a smaller crowd. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to start the campfire I desperately wanted to have. I had 6 or 7 seats in a circle around my campfire ring, which wasn't enough for all of us, but people were happy to stand. It took a lot of trial and error to start the fire since the logs wouldn't light, but a guest stepped up and got it going since he knew what he was doing. The weather could not have been better, and we had marshmallows and hot dogs (people opted out of the full s'more experience). That's where the party wound down and people left full and happy!

Now I'm really bummed out because now I have nothing to plan and work on... it's like Halloween is over already. The good news is that there will be another party next year to plan! If you guys are interested, I will post some pics once my photographer friend sends them to me!

My hubby would love the witch and hunter costume! Your party sounds like it went great! There will be little things you forget or things that don't go the way you wanted, but it's good that you didn't let it put a damper on your party. It's always good to hear that others had a successful party.

Blue, sounds like a great party. You learn from each party you have, and it gets easier as you go along.
I never understand when I hear about people who don't RSVP, or who say they will show up but don't. I think I have only had a few people ever nor RSVP, or say they would come but did not. They don't get invited again. So I guess I have weeded out the poor responders over the years.
Good luck with next years party!

What do you mean you have nothing to work on???!! Next halloween is just around the corner!
Glad you had a good time at your party And of course we want to see pics when you get them.

Sounds like a great party! Isn't it nice to have a first party be a big hit. I had my first last year and there is a learning curve. Making a list of things to do before the party starts is a great idea! Can't wait to see the pics!