I’m kind of freaking out

[campermom]

My sisters and I are hosting a retirement party for my parents at my house on the 23rd and we have 60 Yes’s. We are waiting to hear back from 30 more.

Yes I said so far 60 Yes’s AT MY HOUSE!

Im validated in my panic right? It hit me today at work (the last week of school, and Im wrapping up my work world).

My family is going away this weekend for camping and then I’m away for a work conference from Monday to Thursday. Then the party is Saturday. I rearranged the cleaners so they will come Friday before the party.

OMG!

I started typing this post then one of my sisters called me. We didnt have decorations ordered, we didnt have a menu. That’s all squared away and the other sister is calling for pricing tomorrow.

OMG.

OMG.

ETA I just keep adding freakouts to the post. But since we will be ending daycare next Monday (when I leave for the conference) H is taking off Tues-Thurs and he is going to seal the patio, power wash the siding and mulch everything. Luckily the patio is ready. We are ordering a 20x20 tent, tables and chairs, and pub tables for the patio tomorrow.

All the food! I had a hard enough time pre-party-freaking out for a 40-person baptism. This is big time. Can my toilets handle this many people! It’s like a wedding!

[kimberlybb]

campermom , sounds like you have party plans well under control! The most stressful part of entertaining for me is always the cleaning and the food so you are smart to outsource both. Your patio is gorgeous and looks huge so with the tables and tents there should be plenty of space.

[waverly]

I was going to say quick rent a venue. But if you are having cleaning hired out and food you should be good. I would be freaking too. Good luck!

[ECB]

I truly don't want to add to your list, but is your DH taking off because he needs to watch your child?  If so, how realistic is it that he'll actually get all that other work done?  When DS was in daycare (i.e. young), it wasn't easy to really commit to other projects when I was watching him. 


If you NEED for DH to do those other projects, is there anyone who can come help out with your child?

[justcheckingin73]

I’m freaking out for you but it sounds like you’re marking things off the list and making progress. You got this!

[186momx]

You just made my freak out for DD's b-day party Saturday sound really petty.

Is it a come and go party? If so then you wouldn't have all 60+ people at one time I would think. So your bathrooms should be good. Do you have anything for all the kids to stay busy with during the party?

Don't stress to much about DH power washing the house or sealing the patio no one will notice. This from is past experience. We had our wedding reception at in-laws and my MIL had me scrubbing down the siding, doors, baseboards the day before no one noticed and I was miserable sore for my own party.

[sunbutter]

I would rent one of those fancy port-a-potties. I have no idea how much they cost but my BIL had one at their wedding and it was nicer than most normal bathrooms that I use on the daily.
Cause 60 people in my house and bathrooms-nope.

[2chatter]

You have a great plan in place!

I always forget about “party related” items until the last second. Then I freak out. These are mostly things you can totally do in advance that make the day run smoothly. I always feel better when I DO worry about the little things as it makes me not focus on the big things. So in the spirit of not freaking out, here are things I have forgotten in the last couple years and had to scramble for.
- beverage tubs
- frame/book to sign, name tags and Sharpies if needed
- Kleenex towels in bathrooms
- negotiating oven space with neighbors for catered meals that require warming before serving
- turning off sprinklers (if runs into later evening)
- charging wireless speakers
- charging DSLR, making sure there’s room
- taking a pic of the WiFi code so I can text it to anyone who asks (usually teens)
- putting out tubs of bug spray/sun block
- ice
- one last pooper scoop
- checking umbrellas for wasp nests
- gift table
- designated places for purses

[campermom]

ECB, I told him to arrange for the kids to go to daycare but he didn't want to pay the money. He wants to do the projects. I'll be adding a few to the list too. At least my 2 year old will take afternoon naps......

186momx, it's not an open house, it is a surprise party at 5 and my parents will arrive at 5:30. The food will go inside so there may be a pileup but we will put drinks outside. Maybe a keg too.
The kids could play on the playground, soccer goal, gigaball, and bocce. If they want they can hang in the basement too. H is getting horseshoes for Father's Day so that will probably go on his to do list too.

2chatter, YES! This list is amazing!!! Thank you! I'm going to make sure to put extra trash bags in extra garbage cans around, extra TP stocked and more hand towels in the bathrooms
I'm taking stock of what I need to borrow: coolers, ice buckets, platters, and drink dispensers. Basket for gifts/cards Thanks 2chatter!
I also have to wash the bedding in my daughters room Friday since my sister is out of town and will stay with us.
I had a dentist appt scheduled for that Friday-rescheduled, and we had passports scheduled for Saturday. H needs to reschedule that.
Just sent my sister the free shipping code for oriental trading.

The premise was.....Campermom is you host it we will organize it! Well.

[2chatter]

campermom, I am filing away this “we do some stuff ... and you host ... “ party strategy. It’s genius!

[k3am]

I started preparations for DS’s birthday party about 60 hours before the party itself. 49 attendants. It’s totally doable, and you’ve got this.

PS no one will care if your yard is mulched.