Re 50's cookbook...

The 50s cookbook is a good idea.

MED, if you are thinking of buying one, check
with Betsy here at TKL and see what price
she can get.

:-)

A couple more thoughts.

MED, it is very important that you make
plans to be able to enjoy yourself during
this special event.

Make your plans well ahead of time AND
be flexible. If something is not happening
the way you want, remember you have the
option of changing it or dropping it.

Remember, whenever we attend someone else's
party we do not know what did not get done
unless the host and hostess are upset and
struggling.

It is terribly important you enjoy the evening
and be close to your parents to enjoy their
smile, laughter and tears of joy.

Gather some friends (or teenage folks) who are
willing to act as quite hosts and hostesses
during and after the event. Their assignment is
to mix with the group and pick up empty plates
and glasses, offer to refill drink cups, clean
up accidental spills, monitor the serving table
to keep it clean, etc. Make sure they have
plenty of trash bags available so they can open
new bags as the bags get full.

If you "go for it" with your 1949 theme, you could
even have them dress in 1949 clothing, flowered
dresses with full skirts, poodle skirts, wool slacks,
etc.

Or you could pick up some inexpensive chef's
type aprons for the helpers to wear so guests
know who to ask for help. And, you could have
the aprons imprinted with your mom and dad's
names, or the family name, or wedding date.

Hint: Be sure the helpers know in advance where
to find a mop or lots of paper towels so if there
is a ((bigger)) spill it can be handled casually
with little fuss.

Ask the helpers, in advance, to remain after the
party ends to help with cleanup. You are going
to be exhausted. I would also guess it would
make your parents very happy to see you have help.

MED, it sounds to me like you are doing a wonderful
job. Keep your sprits up. Remember this is to
be a celebration of many lives. Do not over-do
with your work.

Just from the way you "talk" I believe your parents
will appreciate anything you do. (I even think they
would be happy having hot dogs on a BBQ in the back
yard with a few close friends, so this will be
extra special....right???)

Make lists and check things off when they are done,
OR when you decide they do not have to be done.

Your lists will not only help you to remember,
all the things you want to do, but as you check
off your list you will see how much you have
already accomplished. Look at those checked-off
items during those times that you may feel
overwhelmed.

So far you have many items on your list you can
already cross off that list!!!

Good job, MED!