Virgin Party thrower!! Needs help[grin]!!!!!

[foxd]

Having a barbecue party type of weekend including adult bouncy castle. It's to let off steam and remember what fun is after a year of what I feel has been heavy going studying.
The first day/night is for friends their children and neighbours. It's starting during the day and carrying on into the night.
The second night is to celebrate finishing the course and most people on course will be coming if not all and it will be an evening thing.

Haven't thrown anything like this before, I normally just order in pizza or curry's if having friends round. I had promised myself that I would do this, if got through the course Im wanting the wkend to be extra specialfor myself, friends and family who have supported me and put up with my stress.

Please any food ideas any MN can give me or any nice drink mixes and generally any advice about throwing these types of things. It would be much appreciated!!!

How much notice should I give friends and neighbours, when should I start inviting them 1week before 2weeks 3weeks????

I would flag up the date with people as soon as you set it, and then reinforce it with an invitation 2 or 3 weeks ahead.

Plenty of notice if you want them to come, if it's neighbours whom you don't know that well and who may or may not want to come a bit less (so that they don't feel embarrassed if they don't fancy it - though I'm sure it will be lovely!)

Somehting big like dustbins with lots of ice in where people can put any tins etc they bring

You must have a big garden? Fingers crossed for good weather borrow some extra garden seat and mats to sit on.

Keep it really simple

Make up cds to play with different mixes of music for different times of day

Congratulations

Fairy lights from cheap discount store and bunting

food wise, how about loads of chicken in a sticky sauce, a big chilli, maybe about 4ib of mince and quite hot ,potato wedges, a few dips (Tesco's own at £2.00 a tub) with carrot battons, doritos to dip, garlic bread and a big bowl of iceberg lettuce, tomotoes, red onions and olive oil and garlic thrown over...sounds a lot but could take 2 hours to prepare if you have the time....you can buy Sangria and cocktails I don't know any sorry.

chicken thighs/drumsticks (with alcohol it fills people up and you can buy in bulk frozen at most supermarkets).

Thanks will definately start inviting neighbours asap.

OOHH have seen some light things will look nice twisted round washing line and my garden isn't that big but its a corner plot. Had the bouncy castle guy round to check it was big enough and there is with just enough space for barbecue and people and chairs

Need food and drink mix ideas pleasesssssssssss........!!!

you don't fancy any of my food ideas then, that's okay...how many people are you talking about (we do many bbq's so might be able to help!).

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old fashioned trifle - sponge soaked in alcohol tinned coktail fruit and jelly custard cream and chocolate flakes

no French bread bescause it dries out too quickly

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garlicky olive oil mashed potato browned in the oven

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tealeaves id overlapped hadn't read your posts as was typing.
The chicken drumsticks sounds great and the dips.
For the 1st night theres going to be bloody heck about 18 although they all might not beable to make it then theres about 7 kids during the day.
The second night there will be 13 people and then partners if bring them.

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bubble machine giant bubbles face paints diablos tent with cushions for kids

marshmallows on sticks to toast

deffo bits/pizzas/easy food

bump