It suddenly occurred to me that I am really pregnant. I think a second shower would be excessive, especially as many are feeling the economic pinch. Also, I can’t see how I could pay for the kind of big party I would like to throw for my soon-to-be born son.
So, I took a cue from my neighbor Cara, and I am throwing a potluck. I’m calling it an “He’s almost here!” party. We are doing cocktails, which will also be fun for my husband, as he is soon opening an artisan-style cocktail bar (pre-prohibition; no crappy sweet and sour mix). I asked people to bring a dish or a bottle of wine. So far, the response has been great.
Mark felt a little funny about it, having a potluck when he is a chef, but I talked him into it. 1) Cara just did a potluck that was fun and didn’t feel like a crappy church social and 2) I explained that given our budget, the only alternative would be 6 people and a pizza. And which 6 would you choose?
Cara gave me some good pot luck tips:
1) Have extra serving tools. She says she didn’t have enough last time.
2) If you know what people are bringing beforehand, make up cards or labels. Having a sign that says, “Mary’s Veggie Lasagna” will look a bit more polished.
3) When people come in, slap a sticky on their pan. Cara said that after her last party, she spent 4 days calling people saying, “Did you leave a rectangular Pyrex pan?” I mean who hasn’t?
4) If you are planning ahead (which I am not; my guest got a crude Evite and less than two weeks notice), you can stick a note on each invite like “Bring Appetizer” or for your good-cook friends, “Bring Main”.
Now, what to wear…
Sounds fun! Can’t wait to hear how it went.
i’m also pregnant with our second (due in late july) and am already frustrating some people with our decision to not find out the sex of the child. This, along with having kept every last article of clothing and baby paraphanalia, we don’t need to have a shower, but our kids are nearly 10 years apart, so some people think we need all new.
So, with all these “issues” i’m leaning more towards having a “welcome home baby” party. That way folks who feel the need to buy color coded clothing and accessories can do so. Also, it’ll be a good way for everyone to see the baby, w/out having people constantly in and out over the first few weeks.
are you going to be up for it, though? I was such a train wreck after my daughter. but you could wait a few weeks. excuse to wash your hair.
i have thought of that… wondering how the control queen will deal with not handling every detail (since, you know, i won’t have showered in days, much less considered what dishes to use!), so really, this is just an idea now. i’ll probably change my mind many times between now and typical shower time.
Those are some helpful tips! I haven’t had a potluck before, but I hope to in the future… and those ideas will come to use. Thanks!
it really worked out well and many people said the diversity of what people brought was exciting. Lasagne, korean BBQ, etc.
I only had a few plates left over and I know who they all go to.
but there is still this down vest that no on has claimed..
who wears a down vest to a cocktail party in LA in anyway?
Yes, down vests must be promptly mailed to North Dakota! L.A. ladies, you should know better than to try to steal our prairie fashions!
haha, if no one claims it soon I will gladly mail to a cool mom reader in colder parts!