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Conference turris::cooks

Title:How to Make them Goodies
Notice:Please Don't Start New Notes for Old Topics! Check 5.*
Moderator:FUTURE::DDESMAISONSec.com::winalski
Created:Tue Feb 18 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:4127
Total number of notes:31160

3994.0. "Holiday Open House Ideas" by AKOCOA::SALLET () Thu Nov 10 1994 15:36

    We are thinking of having a neighborhood holiday gathering some time
    next month.  Intially we thought just adults but the more we toss the
    idea around we want to include the kids too.  I know...it'll be noisy.
    We were thinking about a Sunday afternoon from say 3:00-6:00.  Do 
    you think we'd be better off doing finger foods meatballs, wings,
    crabbies and such) or deli plates for make your own sandwiches?  I
    know deli plates would be easier but sometimes they just seem so dull.
    Probably boils down to how much work we want to do beforehand.  We
    also want to properly word the invites so that people don't come with
    their bellies already full.  And lastly, any holiday ideas to keep
    the kids busy while adults mingle?  It'll be about 16 adults, 12
    kids.  Kids ages vary from 2-8. I hope we aren't too crazy doing this
    shortly before the holidays but we both enjoy this time of year and
    also have GREAT neighbors.  It seems we all say "let's get together"
    but unless someone takes the step to make the time it doesn't happen.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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3994.1BIGQ::GARDNERjustme....jacquiThu Nov 10 1994 16:486

    Have a POT LUCK with you providing some of the basics plus paper 
    goods.  This way everyone gets to shine.  ;*)

    justme....jacqui
3994.2Great IdeaGENRAL::JORDANThu Nov 10 1994 17:3114
I agree with Jacqui!
That way everyone will come hungry, and go home full...
I really enjoy pot-lucks, 'cause I like to show off my cooking
skills (ha-ha).
And that way the cost to you will be minimal, and there should be
a large selection for everyone to choose from.
As far as the kids, maybe some kiddie sing-along-xmas records?
Or maybe some movies like Rudolph, or Frosty or something like that?


Sounds like fun,
I'm jealous

lj
3994.3CSC32::P_SOGet those shoes off your head!Fri Nov 11 1994 08:0216
    Hi,
    
    We used to do a similar thing when I was growing up.  My Mom
    would prepare all the eats (only because she loves to cook -
    I would do a potluck) and the kids would all be sent to the rec
    room.  We had games and movies and our own food (peanutbutter
    sandwiches, veggies and dip, cookies) and since I was always
    older than everyone else, I would take care of the little
    ones while the parents had a good time upstairs.  Could
    you possibly have a teenager come over and help out with
    the kids for a while?  This way the parents would have
    some freedom and the children would still feel that they
    were part of the celebration with the adults but wouldn't
    be in the way.
    
    Pam
3994.4How about a SantaDECWET::WOLFEMon Nov 14 1994 14:353
We went to a party last year and Santa came midway through
with suckers for the kids.  The kids anxiously awaited him and
after he left were on their best behavior...
3994.5THANKS SO FAR..AKOCOA::SALLETMon Nov 14 1994 15:184
    Thanks for the suggestions thus far, especially the Santa one.  My
    husband mentioned the same idea - my only concern is that the younger
    kids might be more frightened by him (i.e, my kids and a few others).
    But...it may be worth a shot??
3994.6Our families versionCHORDZ::WALTERMon Nov 14 1994 15:4331

    My mother in law has a huge Christmas Eve party every year and has
    since her children were very small.  Some friends of the now adult
    children still come, and family, and friends throughout the years.
    We expect anywhere from 30-75 people so there has to be alot of food. 
    
    No invitations go out for this, its just a tradition now. Family offers 
    to bring entree type dishes and other people bring mostly sweet type 
    desserts.  You can always expect a seafood and rice casserole, some 
    german type dishes and loads of yummy appetizers.   Last year I made a 
    crabmeat fondue.  This year I'm making our silician lobster stew.  My
    mom brings her famous cheesecake.  Over the years, you know what type
    of things people bring (if you plan on doing this yearly that is).
    
    And the kids know that Santa comes every year.  Its funny too, because
    our friend Gary is there, and then all of a sudden he isn't and Santa
    comes along.  The kids (usually 4-7) haven't figured it out yet, but
    I'm sure his son, who is 5 this year, might start picking up on it.
    I have never seen any of the kids frightened.  (We'll see what my year
    old does though; he's in the shy stage now.)  And, there are so many
    adults present, that we don't need to bring in anyone to help us watch,
    we just all watch together.
    
    Two years ago, the lights went out just before midnight (course the 
    toilets did too, and that is another story), so we lit candles and sang
    at midnight.  I will never forget that.
    
    I can't wait for the holidays!
    
    cj
3994.7NOVA::FISHERTay-unned, rey-usted, rey-adyTue Nov 15 1994 06:404
    I did that once, about 400 miles north of here, P�re N�el, arriving in
    a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile.  Had to practice my French for a day.
    
    ed
3994.8DFSAXP::JPTelling tales of Parrotheads and PartiesTue Nov 15 1994 07:181
If Santa is too imposing, maybe he could send an elf?  
3994.9NOVA::FISHERTay-unned, rey-usted, rey-adyTue Nov 15 1994 08:296
    SANTA DOESN'T IMPOSE.  He only goes where he's invited.  You know
    milk and cookies left out for him, once in a while a hot toddy,
    maybe a little mistletoe and ... No, no, Mrs Claus watches closely
    these days.  :-)
    
    ed
3994.10Get CreativeSWAM2::SMITH_MATue Nov 15 1994 17:3617
    I'm the oldest of five so I've been involved with lots of these parties
    where there's tons-o-kids.  One suggestion (and this is easier then it
    may sound) is to have the kids make xmas ornaments, cards, decorations,
    etc.  Create projects that do not require scissors (or do the cutting
    yourself prior to the arrival) like stringing beads, pasting macaroni,
    glitter/construction paper. This way the kids can all take something
    home as well.
    
    Oh!  One other thing my mom used to set up for us...take a nice long
    peice of butcher paper (6 or 7 feet) and let the kids create a holiday
    banner together.  They can write wish lists, draw pictures of Santa,
    themselves, their parents, etc.  Then let them parade it out in front 
    of all the moms and dads.  Everyone loves this!
    
    Have a great time and Happy Holidays!
    
    Mary Jo