Hospitality Conundrum?

[bisous]

Wondering what would you do regarding this situation.

DD is getting baptized on next Sunday. We have family members from both DH's "side" and my side that would like to attend. On my side everyone is vaccinated AND my Mom just had surgery and my Dad is undergoing treatment for cancer (radiation, not chemo). On DH's side all the adults are vaccinated but most of the teenagers are not and none of the kids (except mine). DH's family has been getting together throughout the duration of COVID. On my side we will be gathering for my sisters wedding (Saturday).

We want to make sure our out of town guests have something to eat for the baptism. How would you arrange for something with these two very disparate groups of people?

My vote is provide food and refreshments outside. It will be dark and should be (for us) cold (in the 50s). I say we use our outdoor propane heaters and fire pits, serve warm food and hot chocolate. If groups choose to spend less time there, that's ok. At least they have an option for warm food and rest. DH thinks it isn't hospitable enough.

What do you think?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Totally fine. Have some s'mores stuff, hot chocolate (in the crockpot or see if you can borrow one of those big Gatorade water dispensers- they do a great job with hot chocolate) and warm food. It's a-ok for your crowd.

[jgenie]

I think your plan sounds perfectly fine. People realize plans need to be adjusted due to Covid.

[doberbrat]

I think its fine and would appreciate being able to be outside. Might want to warn everyone that refreshments will be outside so they can bring a sweater.

[gatorsmom]

I think its fine and would appreciate being able to be outside. Might want to warn everyone that refreshments will be outside so they can bring a sweater.

I agree with this. I think it’s nice that you are having a little reception afterwards. I got to the sentence about your mother recovering from surgery and your dad having cancer and my mind screamed “CANCEL.” My youngest 3 are getting confirmed this summer and normally I’d have a big party for them but we are keeping it small and close family. These are different times- no one can blame you for doing things differently.

I’d keep it classy though. I wouldn’t do s’mores like it’s a campout but I would offer tiny sandwiches, cookies, easy finger foods, pitchers of cocoa and coffee that can be consumed outside. I’d maybe decorate a bit outside too, so guests understand that the party is meant to be outside.

Congratulations!

ETA- sorry, I just saw this is an old post. Hope it was a beautiful ceremony and reception!!

[bisous]

Hey guys! Thanks for following up. It went off super well. My wonderful neighbors helped us string up some pretty lighting, we had a fire pit, three patio heaters, hot chocolate, hot soup and warm bread, lots of cushy seating and blankets. We did do smores. We didn't really try to keep it classy. We just wanted to make sure our loved ones who traveled were fed adequately and kept warm. DD loved it and people stuck around for awhile which seems to be a sign that everyone had a good time. I'm SOOOO glad in retrospect that we did keep it outside. This was just prior to the omicron surge. We had heard about it but it hadn't really "hit" my area yet but within one week it was there and I'm sure we would have sown seeds if we had the gathering indoors. No illness were associated with the event and my sick parents are just fine so that's excellent news!

[Liziz]

Hey guys! Thanks for following up. It went off super well. My wonderful neighbors helped us string up some pretty lighting, we had a fire pit, three patio heaters, hot chocolate, hot soup and warm bread, lots of cushy seating and blankets. We did do smores. We didn't really try to keep it classy. We just wanted to make sure our loved ones who traveled were fed adequately and kept warm. DD loved it and people stuck around for awhile which seems to be a sign that everyone had a good time. I'm SOOOO glad in retrospect that we did keep it outside. This was just prior to the omicron surge. We had heard about it but it hadn't really "hit" my area yet but within one week it was there and I'm sure we would have sown seeds if we had the gathering indoors. No illness were associated with the event and my sick parents are just fine so that's excellent news!

Sounds like it went perfectly!! I'm so glad.

[gymnbomb]

I think it is totally fine, and agree that people (at least should) understand that some things need to be slightly different due to Covid. I do agree with telling everyone the plan ahead of time so they can bring appropriate clothing.


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[bisous]

Thanks for the feedback! I also see outside as a plus. The same people who don’t want to vaccinate also don’t like to be outside but what can you do??

Would love menu suggestions. I was planning on doing Costco taquitos (I know, classy!) because they’re DDs favorite food. I figured we’d have fixings to make them tasty (cheese, salsas, guacamole, etc) and then I’d serve 3 other premade salads on the side. (Quinoa, lentil, green salad). Now I’m thinking salads might not be the right choice?

[niccig]

Thanks for the feedback! I also see outside as a plus. The same people who don’t want to vaccinate also don’t like to be outside but what can you do??

Would love menu suggestions. I was planning on doing Costco taquitos (I know, classy!) because they’re DDs favorite food. I figured we’d have fixings to make them tasty (cheese, salsas, guacamole, etc) and then I’d serve 3 other premade salads on the side. (Quinoa, lentil, green salad). Now I’m thinking salads might not be the right choice?

Maybe add chilli for those that want something warm to eat


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