My sitter backed out at the last minute, and I can't get to the grocery store to get all of the things I needed for a nice spread (party tomorrow). I have to serve between 20-40 people from the hours of 6 p.m. - midnight - but I now have no time to cook (I have two small kids). I am in a panic, but I know someone here can offer suggestions of a quick, bountiful meal or heavy appetizer that is sure to please without too much complication. It's either that or canceling my party!
Please help!
2007-12-20 05:16:49 · 16 answers · asked by jane 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
Some of you are JERKS! My daughter is asleep - she takes a 3 hour nap, and if you think taking her to the store in 20 degree weather is better than having her rest and play, you are cruel!
How dare you assume I can't multi task and criticize anyone's parenting.
2007-12-20 05:30:31 · update #1
Thank you for the supportive answers, all - I just wanted you all to know what I ended up doing, in case you have the same problem one day...
I sent an email to my closest friends and gave them each two things to bring to the party: two tubes of Crescent Rolls, two bags of broccoli, two bags of shredded cheese, and cheese and crackers.
I looked up recipes on www.pilsbury.com for Crescent Rolls (I had made a great little broccoli appetizer using them before) and found a bunch of *easy* and quick appetizers. They were all hot and delicous. I made a 3 bean chili (super easy recipe, also), and bought chicken drumsticks and stuck them in a crockpot after my husband barbequed them and cooked them up in the oven.
The party was a great success - and this momma got to spend a lot of *quality* time with my friends (sent the kids to grandma's for the first time all year!).
Thanks again!
2007-12-22 06:41:04 · update #2
You are probably way more stressed because of the amount of people you are feeding. This does not need to be elaborate but I definitely would not cancel as it is the holidays and people had to schedule you in.
Don't cook, cut up some crap and throw it on a tray!
Cheese tray, this one is easy and everyone loves cheese put some grapes in the middle with crackers. Looks pretty and it's a good standard.
Buy some mini cheese cakes at Costco or something and throw those out on a tray, get a few boxes of dessert. I know you said you can't go to the store but MAKE someone go for you. That is a bunch of people.
Chips and dip of course.
Do you have fruit and veggies on hand? This is hard because you didn't tell us what you had. I always have oodles of veg and fruit because I am a veggie, then make some punch.
Put some holiday tunes on and you will be okay. Don't let this stress you out, remember no one is judging you, they are coming to see you and each other.
2007-12-20 06:47:03 · answer #1 · answered by Mrs. Mad Maddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No ,do not cancel the party..you put a lot into it and they dont deserve a birthday party cancelled. What did they messed up ? The house? Just make then stay up fixing it all before they go to bed. use positive reinforcement, keep reminding them of the party and make them clean up . That morning make them fix their room ... make it fun i guess. But dont cancel the party! I know we are tired at times and stressed nothing comes out right, but this is not a trip day out ,its a their birthday! Have fun !
2016-04-10 09:48:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO do not cancel it is too late for that. Is there any neighbor that could help you out, or a friend? I guess the other option is taking the kids with. But as you said they are young and also need to nap. ANY local stores that deliver or anything at your house to make enough food? Can you go after husband or boyfriend comes home? hope something here helps!!!!!! GOOD LUCK! RELAX it will all come together!
2007-12-20 05:35:06 · answer #3 · answered by lilyjo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pre-made party trays and frozen foods can be heaven-sent for you. :-)
You could buy veggie trays, cheese trays and summer sausage...buy some crackers and you're set with that option.
As for something heavier, look in the frozen food section and find some Swedish meatballs. All you really need for those are toothpicks and paper plates. (lol)
You could also try some hot spinach artichoke dip or mini-quiche. You can easily find those if you belong to a warehouse club (like Sam's or Costco).
I wish you good luck.
Merry Christmas!
2007-12-20 07:45:45 · answer #4 · answered by YSIC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a mother of 3 and someone who loves to entertain I understand you predicament. I think if you can find a way to get it done, you will be glad you did. Even when the kiddos are keeping you busy and you are worn out, it will be worth it to still have your party. You deserve some time with your friends. Having said that, if you can't get your shopping done, you could tell your friends to bring one dish each. Heavy Hor-Dourves and desserts and drinks make for a simple and fun party. You may still have time to find someone for tomorrow morning and get it done.
Good luck!
2007-12-20 06:46:53 · answer #5 · answered by BopMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make large plate of different cold cut meat(groumet ham, roast beef,turkey etc. Make another large plate for different type cheese (slice or cube them for easy serving) and fruits like apple slice,grapes. Another plate for veggie plate with some dip. Have plenty of cracker, pita bread,french bread slice. Another easy party dish is cook store bought meat ball with BBQsauce. Also you can make this party pot luck. I'm sure some of your guests would love to help you with foods.Good luck and have a great party. and stay warm.
2007-12-21 07:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by Country pumpkin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with DLS. I love to cook and always ask if I can bring something. So I would ask some of the guests who are really good friends if they could bring something and then I'd call my favorite local deli or restaurant and have it catered.
Ignore the jerks.
2007-12-20 09:09:33 · answer #7 · answered by msdorothygale 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain situation to close friends attending the party if they could bring something. You can reciprocate when they are having a party. If they are also Mom's will understand that these things happen and will offer to help. I love to cook and know how expensive it is to have a party, so I always offer to bring something.
2007-12-20 05:49:20 · answer #8 · answered by DLS 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You poor thing I know how you feel. Most grocery stores have a deli that you can get food that's already cooked or you can buy and you can get deli trays for appetizers. Good luck.
2007-12-20 05:38:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
take the kids with you to the market.......tire them out, feed them and make them take a nap, then prepare what you can, then if the awake, put them within eyesight and just keep cooking, it's only a one time thing....they can be in timeout for a little while during your prep. Good Luck......
2007-12-20 05:31:05 · answer #10 · answered by rob lou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋