Is this crazy?

[ladedah]

I am starting to plan a bridal luncheon for my maids...but since everyone is coming from out of town I want to have it on Friday (day before the wedding)...at my house...AND I want to make the food myself...Is this just too insane?

I'll have my mom and others to help, the way I have everything planned that afternoon was just supposed to be for me and the girls anyway (all last minute wedding stuff that still needs to be done I will pass on to someone else)...it will be the first time everyone is all together before the wedding, so I just want to chill and be relaxed...not have to rush somewhere for reservations and what not...AND...i like to cook...

Just wanted everyone elses opinion...am I really going to want to do this once it gets right down to it?

[ljeagle]

I think it sounds like a great plan. I have looked at every thing that will need to be done the day of the wedding and I don't see any time to get with the girls for lunch. I don't see how any one has the time for a bridal luncheon the day of the wedding. I'm sure it is possible but it would be hard...

[Marrying_the_Good_Husband]

Well, she's talking about the day before--not day of. Still a lot to do. I think if make something that doesn't take a LOT of work or can do a little bit at a time in advance, it shouldn't be that bad. It sounds like a very nice gesture.

[Cirig]

I think that's fine. Just make sure you have enoguh time to get all of your stuff done!!

[Chillchacha]

I love cooking for people I love, but then again I’m half Italian . I know this isn’t the same but my FH and I have the guys over for *Lan parties like every other month. So we have like 7 or 8 of us in our place and the stay for the weekend. I have the “being prepared ahead of time” thing down to a science because I play with them. Even though they are a bunch of guys the girl in me still likes to make really nice display of food . I usually spread out a bunch of palms (that I have washed) over the table and just place out platters of food I have prepared ahead of time with paper plates. I always have a bowl of fruit, usually melon balls, and veggies and dip. Some of their favorites that are girl compatible are:

Finger sandwiches. Cream cheese and jelly sandwiches that are cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Meet rolls. Thinly sliced lunch meet rolled around cream cheese and pepper and garlic sprinkled on top. Sometimes I mix dill into the cream cheese.

Lettuce wraps. Ground or chicken strips sautéed with sesame seeds, onion, a little ginger, white pepper, and soy sauce. I line a patter with butter lettuce cups and place the chicken in the middle and top with chopped peanuts. I make additional lettuce available along with plum sauce, peanut sauce, and soy sauce. This is good even when served cold so it can all be done the night before.

Vietnamese Fondue. I’m not sure what it is really called, but I used to have this at some of my childhood friends houses for Tet new year. It is not fating and it is easy to prepare. Boil some broth (chicken or beef) add what ever spices you like and put it in a fondue pot (I have also used my crock pot on high and wooden kabob securers, I think it works a little better but the fondue set looks nicer). Place the pot of broth in the middle of the table with a platter of thinly slices meets and fondue forks. The guests hold the meet in the broth for about a minuet then wrap them up in wonton paper and eat them. I usually have a few sauces too like plum and peanut sauce. The broth tastes better the more that it is used. The only thing with this one is every so often you have to add more boiling broth every one and a while.


I can think of more but I think these are the easiest and they are fairly girl compatible. I can tell you the nasty but yummy stuff they love it usually involves a vat of BBQ sauce. How many people all together?

*A LAN party is a temporary, sometimes spontaneous gathering of people together with their computers, which they connect together in a local area network (LAN) primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer computer games (Wikipedia, 2000).

[Marge129]

I think you can handle it. Just make sure you don't plan anything you can't! You don't need to make an extravagent meal... and make as much ahead of time as possible.

I think it's a very nice thing you want to do!

[PlanetClaire]

How many BMs do you have?

I am having a torrid affair with my crockpot!! I love that darned thing! I can make all sorts in it and it always tastes great.

I think, as Chacha mentioned, if you have as much prepared ahead of time as possible it would make the day of the luncheon pretty easy.

Have fun!

[ladedah]

OMG...Chillchacha I'm totally going to be picking your brain for recipe's!! I think I can do it..and will plan as much ahead as possible...There will be about 13 people with the BM, MOB, MOG, Grandmother, Flowergirls, etc...

I'm thinking of having a couple little finger food appetizers, then mini-quiche, a spinach salad and maybe a ceasar salad with chicken, and a couple of tiny desserts. (lemon cheesecake or something like that)..and of course mimosas!!!

This way we can snack and visit, maybe do our nails or something until we have to get ready for the rehearsal...

Thanks for the go ahead!!!

[deputysgurl]

I love the idea of doing it the day before. Cuz the day of we have to set up the reception hall, finish last minute things atthe church and get ready. I wish all my girls were coming in on the 23rd of march.

[Marrying_the_Good_Husband]

Ooh! Since you mentioned mimosas, have you had a bellini? Even better!!! Champagne with peach nectar.

[sparklesweetie]

What's a mimosa? And like the others said, if you prepare as much as you can beforehand, I think it'd go smooth the day before. As a matter of fact, we're probably going to do the same thing, although we aren't having a rehearsal. I was thinking of having a BBQ the day before, so I'm glad you all are giving out recipes!

[Lizbet]

A Mimosa is a Champage and orange juice cocktail.

I love those recipes ChaCha!! Next time I have a party I'm coming to you for advice.

And, Ladedah, I think the day-before luncheon will be fine. I hosted a party for DH's birthday. It was pretty much a finger food buffet. I bought everything pre made, except the finger sandwhiches. And, the day of it only took my parents and me about 1/2 an hour to set up.

[Complicated Woman]

Originally Posted by Marrying_the_Good_Husband

Ooh! Since you mentioned mimosas, have you had a bellini? Even better!!! Champagne with peach nectar.

Mmmmm, that sounds awesome! Something to remember.

As for the thread, I think you can do it as long as you don't get TOO ambitious and pick stuff that is easy to prepare. I like cooking for people and putting out a spread, just don't be too proud to cut corners whenever you need to and I'm sure it will be quite doable and fun.

[Chillchacha]

Originally Posted by ladedah

OMG...Chillchacha I'm totally going to be picking your brain for recipe's!! I think I can do it..and will plan as much ahead as possible...There will be about 13 people with the BM, MOB, MOG, Grandmother, Flowergirls, etc...

I'm thinking of having a couple little finger food appetizers, then mini-quiche, a spinach salad and maybe a ceasar salad with chicken, and a couple of tiny desserts. (lemon cheesecake or something like that)..and of course mimosas!!!

You kan pick my brain any time, it won't take long lol. I think that is a great menu! Yumm mini-quiche and mimosas I'm have to try MTGH's peach mimosas.

[Jennifer]

I think it is a great idea. The day before the wedding was pretty calm for me. In fact..I worked that day! And then took a nap...hung around the apartment and packed for my honeymoon.

What is crazy is wanted to do it the day of the wedding like I tried. The plans fell through and it didn't happen..oh well. Live and learn!

I vote for the day before...it will be fun and meaningful and you get to relax with your close friends before your day!

[ladedah]

Mmmmm...Bellini's...I'm doing those!!!

My mom is all for this as well, so it's a go!! I just ordered some fun invitations!!