I'm throwing a welcome back party, and needed ideas on food & decorations!?!
I'm throwing a welcome back party, and needed ideas on food & decorations!?
My husband is coming back from Singapore, and I wanted to throw him a party. I wanted to get some easy decorating & food ideas that would make my life simple, but make him feel at home. Any suggestions?
Answers:
I'm sure he's probably tired of Asian cuisine, so cook his all-American favorites, you know, good down-home comfort food. How about steak, mashed potatoes, home-made bread or rolls, and buttered corn? And then some apple pie for dessert. It doesn't get much better than that for a man coming home from overseas! Decorations? I wouldn't worry too much about that, guys are simple. But, to put the icing on the cake, why don't you wear something really pretty or sexy for him? Go buy a killer dress and some peep-toe stiletto heels! I did that for a special someone in my life and he just loved it! Couldn't take his eyes off me the whole night! It was priceless!
Source(s):
Born and raised in the military and helped my mom and friends prepare for many homecomings.
I would start with his favorite foods...comfort foods can be especially nice after going away from home. If the weather is nice, perhaps a barbeque would be good? As for decorations, naturally a welcome home banner, and perhaps hang up pictures, either of where he went (the specific spots) or places he missed from back home (a favorite place to eat, a camp site he likes, or even just old group pictures, or family photos)
One thing I almost always reccomend for a party is a potluck; You make the main course (burgers, pizza, chicken?) and everyone else can bring sides.
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I don't know how many people you are having, but your best bet is to have a lot of appetizers and dips like spinach dip (put in a bread bowl), shrimp cocktail, crudites, and things like that. Try a lot of things that can be prepared ahead of time and chilled or can be quickly reheated. In terms of decorations, my favorite way to get people involved is to have a bunch of pictures of your husband with friends and family and display them together-people love commiserating over fun pictures. I think that will make him feel at home as well.
A great combination decoration and finger food is stuffed Belgian endive. Buy some uncooked dry black beans. Put them on most any plate in a single layer that covers the plate.
Take a few apples (macintosh, granny smith, or romes are my favorites), peel, core and dice very small (around 1/8"). Crush some hazel nuts to pieces about the same size. Make a vinegrette of champagne vinegar and hazelnut oil. Toss the apples and nuts in the vinegrette, and fill the separated, washed, and dried endive leaves. Arrange on the black beans. The white color of the endive shows up wonderfully over the black beans.
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They are cheap and come with an really neat way to store them right on top of the bottle...
Good old American BBQ, corn on the cob, domestic beer and sodas - you and the people he loves best around - believe me decorations aren't important - being home is
move the party to your bedroom and have the guest list comprise of just the two of you. be as creative and sexy as possible... i would appreciate that over a party anyday.
cook him some of his favorite foods and invite your neighbors and some of your closest friends for an indoor/outdoor bbq thing maybe.
You didn't mention how long he's been gone, but he might actually prefer a gathering of just the two of you! Anyway, how about a giant "Welcome Home!" banner that you can drape? You can add balloons if you want, or make it simple with fresh cut flowers. Foodwise, he might not be particularly hungry if he's just getting off of an 18 hour flight! Nevertheless, I'm sure he has had some favorite dishes that he loves to have you prepare for him. Think about what those are first and foremost and then think about what else you might have for your guests. Here are some ideas:
1. Grilled chateaubriand, seasoned with kosher salt, pepper, garlic, and worcestershire. Grill medium rare and slice thin. Serve with a horseradish sauce.
2. Roasted veges: baby red potatoes and baby carrots. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in 375 degree oven, turning once during the process, for 1 hour or until fork tender. Remove from oven and season to taste. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and enjoy!
3. Caesar salad
4. Chocolate layer cake for dessert
Have lots of beer, wine, and bottled water on hand for your guests to enjoy and be sure to pass the chips and salsa as well!.