Lesson Learned

I never really fully knew what it takes to host a party. Yes, I've had "parties" at the house that consisted of chips and a keg, but never an all out party in honor of someone. Saturday was my first experience playing hostess. Jimmy and I threw an engagement party for our friends Ryan and Melissa.

All week before the 8th, I spent planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and worrying about making this party go off without a hitch. Luckily Jimmy, my sister (BM) Alison, and friend (GM) Steve helped out a lot with preparations.

Steve and Alison. Wouldn't have pulled off the party without them!

Friends and family of Ryan and Melissa came and I think there were around 25-30 people in attendance. Everyone said they had a great time, and the couple-of-honor were celebrated to the max. I'm glad it turned out to be a fun party, but I was relieved that it was over at the end of the night.

Anthony (GM), Lis, and Katie K.

You can see the table of food behind them. We served Italian beef sandwiches, brats, potato salad, broccoli salad, rice crispy treats, and five layer bars. There was also taco dip and puppy chow (which we call Happy Steve) amongst other snacks spread around the house.

The boys.

Ryan, Matt, Jimmy, Steve (Best Man), Anthony (GM), and Pete (GM)

We ended up in the garage playing cards since there really wasn't enough room for everyone to be in the same room in the house. Plus that meant less clean-up for me!!

The girls.

Alison (BM), Melissa, Katie K, me.

Katie A, and Lis.

Melissa's new bling. This is actually her 2nd engagement ring since Ryan proposed. He proposed with the wrong ring! This was his grandmother's ring, but he accidentally proposed with his mother's ring. A story to tell their kids in the future!

Kurtis (usher) and his girlfriend Katie, Steve (Best Man), Melissa and Ryan.

Thinking about how much work I put into that party, I can't fathom what I'm going to feel in the weeks leading up to the wedding. SO MUCH MORE will have to be done for the wedding that I am grateful for our long engagement. However, I can still imagine myself running around making sure people and things are where they need to be.

So I need to kick my butt into gear. My goal is to get as much done as soon as possible. Only 171 days to go!!