We are now one month from TH day. I have a bit left
to do before the official preparation schedule starts (Nov.-24th), and I
am trying to figure out what I can buy, do, or fix before then. I want
to make it as easy of a time as possible. I believe there is a way to
ease my way into the schedule. I lost an hour last year on the day of,
and I am determined to get it back this year! With so few weeks left to
gather all of the supplies and figure out the layout of the house I am
now starting to feel the excitement building.
Figuring out the layout of the house is something I can
definitely do now. Recently, 2 large changes came up that will affect
the set-up for the gathering. The smallest, but hopefully a very
important change is happening in the main food area. I have decided to
add a new table to the kitchen area. I will be moving the plates, cups,
napkins and silverware to this new table. It will be in front of the
refrigerator and oven. I don't want guests digging into the fridge to
begin with, and this completely prevents that from happening. The main
reason I am adding this extra table is because of my purchase of a
double chafing dish set-up. This has added a whole new level of
versatility to my food serving ability, but requires this rearranging. I
will be moving the turkeys to a central place (of honor?) and have the
chafing dishes located in their former place. Moving the tableware to a
whole new table opens up its former counter space and will
let me locate the crock pots there. Check out the re-updated directory page and see where the food will be located.
The larger of the two layout changes will be happening outside in the yard. I have had some discussions with Quinton (host & holder of the Polar Palooza) and I think we have come up with a great plan. Last year was the first time I decided to "tent in" my backyard. There are simply too many people to accommodate solely inside my house now. Tenting in the yard opened up a 20 ft space outside. It easily became the most popular space even with a bit of a chill in the air. Last year I did 20 ft, but with Quinton's help I think we can tent in almost 40 ft of space! If you have any interest in seeing what I have in mind check out this Pre-viz model I made. I know that with 20 extra feet of space I can handle an extra 10 - 15 more people than last year. This is a must because it is possible we will have 60-65 people this year. That extra 20 feet allows for 2 more tables, and many many more chairs to be added. There is a large bonus feature of adding the extra 20 ft of tent. I get to add an additional food table. It was brought up to me that I should spread the drinks out more than last year to avoid a crowd. This new table allows for just that. I have decided to place some of the non-alcoholic drinks, the wines and the 3 pre-mixed drinks. To help ensure guests are drawn to this table I will also place a few of the more weather resistant desserts out here too. I figure as long as the sun is up and the weather cooperates we can leave the rear tent flap open for everyone to enjoy the spectacle that is the turkey fryer.
The larger of the two layout changes will be happening outside in the yard. I have had some discussions with Quinton (host & holder of the Polar Palooza) and I think we have come up with a great plan. Last year was the first time I decided to "tent in" my backyard. There are simply too many people to accommodate solely inside my house now. Tenting in the yard opened up a 20 ft space outside. It easily became the most popular space even with a bit of a chill in the air. Last year I did 20 ft, but with Quinton's help I think we can tent in almost 40 ft of space! If you have any interest in seeing what I have in mind check out this Pre-viz model I made. I know that with 20 extra feet of space I can handle an extra 10 - 15 more people than last year. This is a must because it is possible we will have 60-65 people this year. That extra 20 feet allows for 2 more tables, and many many more chairs to be added. There is a large bonus feature of adding the extra 20 ft of tent. I get to add an additional food table. It was brought up to me that I should spread the drinks out more than last year to avoid a crowd. This new table allows for just that. I have decided to place some of the non-alcoholic drinks, the wines and the 3 pre-mixed drinks. To help ensure guests are drawn to this table I will also place a few of the more weather resistant desserts out here too. I figure as long as the sun is up and the weather cooperates we can leave the rear tent flap open for everyone to enjoy the spectacle that is the turkey fryer.
4 weeks left and I still feel that I need a few more German dishes, mainly side dishes. The few I have tried to make did not impress me, my wife or the other taste testers. I knew I was gambling when I looked towards older, simpler recipes. It has been tough finding dishes with flavors that are not boring or strong enough to compete with the recipes I have found. I will be doing an excessive amount of cooking in the next couple weeks as I try and find 2 more sides to help round out the final menu. I have a few days off coming up, so look here to see what I made.
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