A few weeks ago, Daughter Erin emailed to suggest we take advantage of an opportunity. She and her boyfriend, Rob, who live in Brooklyn, were coming to see Rob’s brother graduate from college. Rob’s entire family was coming to Minnesota from Seattle for the big event as well. Could we put together a brunch so the two families could meet on Sunday morning before they had to return home? We thought it was a great idea!
Before we knew it, the guest list had swelled to 30. Rob’s family is large, Pete’s family is large, Pete’s first wife’s family is large, and mine is . . . well, small by comparison. It was clear we needed to plan a buffet, but not so clear on seating arrangements. Who has that many chairs, much less dining space? Our brunch buffet would have to be al fresco. And, having sold our garden furniture last year and not yet replaced it, we were going to have to innovate.
Adding to the dilemma was the weather’s behavior. “June Gloom” had descended upon Minnesota, with a seemingly interminable number of rainy, overcast days – the kind that make you want to curl up into a ball and stare blankly at the television at worst, or at best tackle the pile of books waiting to be read. Drizzle to downpour, any kind of rain would spoil our parade, forcing us inside to standing room only.
To logistical rescue came Pete’s sister, Jenny, with four eight foot tables and sufficient chairs borrowed from work. We added our six foot folding table in and came up with an “H” arrangement that allowed the food to be in the middle of everyone, and everyone to have a chair. The card table would hold china and utensils. The Mimosa bar would be set up on the dining room buffet for socializing before we all trooped outside. All we could do was pray there would be a break in the rain.
Since Pete does all the cooking in our family, he chose the menu and assigned other items as needed. In Minnesota, the polite response to any invitation is, “What can we bring?” This was going to work to our advantage. We’d serve ham and bacon from our piggy, spinach omelet roll-ups (Pete’s invention), Jenny’s “cheesy potato” casserole, and Teri’s baked goods and pastries. Erin’s mom, Deb, was in charge of fruit salad, and her sisters contributed to the beverages. Her brother, Mike, brought fresh bread. Grandpa wanted to bring champagne so we let him. 
Presentation was up to me. I wanted things to look nice but not overly contrived, and not only was I challenged by the weather threat, but my budget was minimal to boot. I knew the table settings might be subject to water falling from the sky unless they were put together at the last minute, and even then, without being able to predict, it was possible we wouldn’t be eating outside at all. If it continued to rain, we were all going to get to know each other really well. I figured should this occur there would be ample reason just to drink. more.champagne.
So, naturally, my first stop in search of affordable decor was The Dollar Store. Seven white coated paper tablecloths that wouldn’t immediately disintegrate under moisture attack, $1.00 each. Sixteen miniature glass vases (I chose the wide mouth, but I could have had a coupe or fishbowl shape as well), $1.00 each. I headed to Paper Warehouse and picked up some dinner napkins in fresh green, $5.50 for 75 (awesome!). Lo, the same tablecloths from the Dollar Store were twice as much at Paper Warehouse.
My major idea coup occurred in the giftwrap aisle. I noticed that one roll of wrapping paper was 16 feet long. What would happen if I used it as a table runner to add some color? I decided I would try to slice it in half width-wise on the roll when I got home, and then we could simply unroll each half down the length of the tables. $3.49.
I was at a grand total of $31.99 before flowers. Usually for parties I like to run down to the Minneapolis Farmers Market and purchase freshly cut stems in bulk. But with the way it was raining, I didn’t want to wait until the morning of the party to risk wandering through every stall and not finding something I liked. So I headed to Costco.
The selection at Costco was pre-mixed cut stems in several colorways, tight bunches of medium size roses in many different colors, or 16 stem bunches of alstroemeria and mini carnations at $8.99 each. I chose: grape alstroemeria, peach mini carnations, and a mixed bunch of alstroemeria. Total spent on ambiance: $58.96.
It’s annoying to have to look through flowers when you’re trying to have a conversation at table. So, that means arrangements have to be impossibly high, or snug and compact. We were going with snug and compact. At home, I sliced 7/8ths of the long stems off and mixed up the flowers into the vases. All went together rather quickly.
All day Saturday before the brunch, Pete prepped. He decided to do a Cranberry Orange glaze for the ham, riffing off this recipe from Epicurious. He changed it to include 1 12 oz package of frozen cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup cranberry juice and orange zest. He also prepared a Creamy Mushroom Gravy for the omelet rolls, using this recipe, but substituting caramelized fresh garden onions instead of the plain chopped onion it calls for.
On Sunday morning, we were easily ready by party time. The tables were set up and dressed outside just in time for a light mist to start up. Oh well, what can you do?
We figured we would liberally pour the champagne and perhaps it would brighten up by the time we were seated. Seattle people should be used to that, right?
Everybody had a great time! Extra flowers went home with the ladies, and no one was late for their flight. There was a lot of laughter and easy-going banter, and the H arrangement let people easily move from one group to another, or refill their plates.
Now that we’ve done this once for this many people, we’re old hands! I much prefer having meals outside whenever possible, and this was the perfect solution for a big crowd without going to a lot of trouble or expense.
What are some of the ways you’ve found to successfully entertain large groups?
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Peter and Betsy Wuebker are location-independent professionals who share what they know about travel, simplicity and integrating work with life. 
Betsy, I love your idea of arranging the tables in “H-formation” — very clever. Creamy mushroom gravy, caramelized onions and omelet rolls… oh boy, that sounds delicious. Pete rocks!
I can’t say I’ve entertained that many people; I think 6 is the most and it was pretty easy. Even so, I was still a nervous nut hoping and praying that everything turned out okay and was ready simultaneously. It does take a lot of planning.
Sounds like everything worked out just fine for you guys. In a way, having it all come together this way made it even more memorable.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..This is How You Don’t Skip Rocks =-.
Hi Davina – It can be nerve-wracking no matter the number, can’t it? The key is to have plenty to eat and drink! I over-planned on the champagne (good problem to have). And of course, you’re invited any time!
Pete and Betsy,
This sounds fabulous! I love the way you went into detail and the food sounded very good……………… What a great dad!
What a wonderful accomplishment! I hope you were able to enjoy some of it, too, along with hostessing. As for me, both entertaining and large groups give me the shivers.
Hi Betsy .. love all the innovation and inspiration – that’s the way parties are .. and as I haven’t got the end of the post – bet they didn’t want to leave??
Food .. Pete – I’m catching the next plane … feed me please?! Oh yes – just seen later – Grandpa has to be there too .. he has champers!!! The spinach omelette roll-ups sound great, your own ham and bacon, cheesy potato casserole – they’re always good and moorish together .. baked goods and pastries .. fruit salad to clear the palette .. & drinks .. what more could you all want?!
I love the idea of going to the cheapy stores and gathering quick and pretty things that mix and match – but get the job done at minimal cost .. the runner looks wonderful .. and your flowers such a good idea .. and lovely to have them.
Doesn’t everyone look happy and content – I reckon a very good job done! I have to say I party everyone up .. just come food in the kitchen, find a seat or a perch! .. and as I’m doing the lot – we have to survive!! Over the years I’ve often catered for lots .. at home and in others houses and just thought in this day and age – we’re relaxed … let’s go with the flow – preferable champagne!
Fantastic – bet everyone had a wonderful time with loads of memories .. looks as though you all did .. I expect they’ll be back for more soon?!
I see they did manage to catch their planes etc .. Enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Ever Thought of a Map as an Encyclopedia? =-.
Hi Betsy,
Isn’t it amazing what we can find at the Dollar Store, Paper Warehouse and Costco? By thinking outside the box, you created what looks to be a fabulous party. I, too, love the “H” sharp arrangement you created. Ingenious!
And the food. Oh yum! It sounds like it was delicious. And with all of those smiling faces, it appears everyone was pleased. You rock, Betsy!
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..S*%$+#@*.!*)& B(*!$@& =-.
Betsy — I’m so impressed. You took a BIG function and made it not only less costly, but what looks like a lot more fun.
I loved the flowers, the decorative “runner” and the casual atmosphere. Everyone looks happy:~) After all, that’s what really matters, right?
I thought everything you did for this event worthy of the best of event planning. You thought it through, found creative ways to deal weather and cost — I loved the line about the champagne:~)
Thanks for sharing this story and congratulations to Rob’s brother!!!
.-= Sara´s last blog ..About a Blogger: History is My Story =-.
Betsy and Pete,
How clever you both are and what fun….Oh yes! the Seattle folks should not be put off at all by light mist. I have been at outdoor weddings in a down pour – every one has an umbrella under their arm – especially this year, we are still wearing our winter coats!
All your ideas and cooking sound like just the ticket to make a cozy event and so that everyone was connected and fed…
I love the inclusion of drink more champagne…a must in all the finest social circles.
Great post and party…
.-= Patricia´s last blog ..WISE WORDS =-.
Hi Cathy – Welcome to PassingThru! Can’t wait to see you! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hi Dot – Yes, it was enjoyable! That’s the true test of a good party: when the hosts can relax a bit and enjoy themselves, too.
Hi Hilary – You’re invited to come any time! You could regale us with all your comprehensive knowledge about history and your talent at making it come alive and relevant to things today. We’d get the better end of that deal!
Hi Barbara – I’d read a few home decor blogs where they routinely shop for dollar store items and I thought, why not? You’re right, it’s amazing what you can find in there. I just don’t buy food there!
Hi Sara – Well, that’s my 2010 motto, don’tcha know: drink.more.champagne. And I must say, it’s been great acting accordingly.
Hi Patricia – Minnesotans are always prepared for weather goofs, too. When Pete and I were first dating it seemed like we were drenched every time we went out. Don’t like it? Wait a few minutes and it will change! Thanks.
Clever and innovative as usual…Betsy!! Know you and Pete put in conciderable time and thought to all aspects of your brunch……thankfully, the weather cooperated….and your efforts payed off with a great menu and lots of happy, smiling guests!!
Wow Betsy – That looks awesome. If you’d not said how much everything cost, I would have thought it was way more expensive. I suck at making things pretty so I’ll be stealing some of your ideas. I love how you used the giftwrap as a table runner.
I’m not great at entertaining large groups. Last time I tried, I wound up buying everyone an indian takeaway and we ate it on our knees in the living room.
I was going to sell our garden furniture too but I’m having second thoughts now after I’ve seen how lovely you can make an outdoor meal look. If only the weather would comply, so we could eat outside enough to make the furniture worth it.
Hi Tauron – Yes, the blessing with an overcast sky is that everyone didn’t have to swelter! Glad you enjoyed this.
Hi Cath – I think that gift wrap idea is a real keeper. Use a very sharp serrated tool to cut all the way through the roll. Thanks.
Looks like everyone had wonderful time and the menu sounds very yummy!!
Hi Denise – Welcome to PassingThru! We appreciate your comment and hope you stick around.