Fall Parties/GTG''s

[monarch64]

OK, so all this talk about fall foods and treats has prompted me to start a thread about fall parties and get-togethers. Typically in mid-October we phone-invite a few close friends over to take part in pumpkin-carving and indulge in some hot mulled cider from the crock pot that *may* or may not include a shot of Yukon Jack or brandy...it''s always a cozy night by the fire pit full of fun and laughter. This year I was thinking I''d like to expand a bit (am trying to get hubby on board with this whole idea of making it a party of 20+, as it is normally about 10 of us), and I''m just wondering if anyone else hosts a fall party pre-major holidays and if so, what have you done in the past or are planning for this year? Costume party is OUT, we have another couple in our circle who is known for ther Boo-Bash blowout costume parties on Halloween weekend. This year I would just really like to send actual invitations and get our friends who have children involved a bit as they are sometimes excluded (by their own will) from the more booze-friendly, leave-the-kids-wth-grandma parties. The last major party we threw was almost 4 years ago, and I am sick over that...I LOVE throwing parties!

I was thinking...homemade chili, homemade spiced/mulled cider (crockpots, love them), other crudites, hors d''oeuvres, etc., fire pit outside on the patio, lots of yummy smelling candles, bring your own pumpkin to carve, la la la. Thoughts? Elaborations? I would love to hear more ideas!

 

[somethingshiny]

I think your idea sounds great!

We''re hosting a GTG of my family. All of us cousins used to be really close, but we don''t get together for major holidays anymore. So, we''re having a bonfire with smores and sparklers. I''m making a big ham cause it''s good hot or cold. Then everyone is bringing a dish to pass. That way we get everyone''s specialty. 40-45 people will be in attendance (all the rest of them couldn''t make it!) So, after what''s listed, it''s every man for himself!!

 

[monarch64]

Oh, s''mores! Forgot about those...we actually received a s''mores maker for a shower gift long, long ago and have never used it, maybe I will finally break it out and at least sit it on the patio table by the fire pit for anyone interested, lol! Your GTG sounds fantastic, lucky for you that you have a nice big family to celebrate fall with!

 

[somethingshiny]

I have a smores maker, too. IT''s called a stick! You put a marshmallow on the end, and hold it over the fire. When it catches fire, you have a friend help you put it out with chocolate and a graham cracker! MMMM!!

I am very blessed in having a large and healthy family, thank you! Christmas used to be around 70 people. SO, we''ve separated into our smaller groups now.

 

[monarch64]

Date: 9/26/2007 12:16:36 AM
Author: somethingshiny
I have a smores maker, too. IT''s called a stick! You put a marshmallow on the end, and hold it over the fire. When it catches fire, you have a friend help you put it out with chocolate and a graham cracker! MMMM!!

I am very blessed in having a large and healthy family, thank you! Christmas used to be around 70 people. SO, we''ve separated into our smaller groups now.

LOL, You''re hilarious! If we were able to build a bonfire within city limits we most certainly would, but alas we are legally relegated to enclosed fires, which means holding a stick with a marshmallow on the end next to the metal parts of the enclose fire pit, certain disaster for said marshmallow! So....chafing fire thingies in the middle of the s''mores maker will have to do for this occasion. Hey, we CAN roast the pumpkin seeds (rinsed and seasoned, of course,) in the oven while we try to make s''mores outside, so that''s good!

 

[somethingshiny]

What are these "city limits" you speak of??

JK!! We have several bonfires a year. In fact, last Friday, there was one at my parents house. But, that was a "drinking bonfire". That name is given as a disclaimer to not bring the kids. We didn''t attend, though. There have been too many fires getting out of control that way!

Love roasted punkin seeds! I put salt and nutmeg on them, what do you season with??

 

[monarch64]

LOL! City limits to us means behaving according to our Village ordinances of not having open fires burning, i.e., can''t be burning matresses, leftovers from home demolitions, etc....I swear I had to call the FD this past spring on a new neighbor who thought it was ok to just dig a hole in his backyard and burn everything that had come out of the house he was restoring right out in the open...there are codes here, people!

We live in Chicago''s west burbs, and there are really strict and enforced ordinances involving fires/garbage/etc. So an enclosed firepit for our gtg is an absolute must, we don''t want anything getting out of control and especially don''t want to offend our neighbors though we plan to invite them as well.

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a definite crowd pleaser, we usually just spread them on cookie sheets with some PAM spray, or olive oil, and then season with S&P, and maybe garlic powder (we like them saltier, not sweet!) But this year I''ll follow your advice and do some with nutmeg I think, that sounds divine! Everyone has a tummyache the next day from overindulging in the seeds, but they''re SOOOOO good!