Sally..more

Sally, another search... here on TKL some wonderful "breakfast casserole" recipes have previously been posted. They include various combinations of eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon, sausage, etc. Most are assembled atleast the day before. Many include frozen hash brown which will reduce your work a lot! And the bacon and sausage could be cooked well in advance to assembling the casseroles. It might be fun to make more than one kind, giving your guests their choice.

I would also encourage you to use plastic plates that can be tossed as the day goes on.

Sally, you could also consider a salad "feast." And, at the same time, ask friends and neighbors if each would contribute a salad to this event. What a lovely table it would be with a collection of salads from which to pick. A friend of mine and I did this (inviting others to contribute) for a no-budget wedding reception. We asked for cookies. We ended up with dozens and dozens and dozens of lovely cookies and arranged them on huge platters. Everyone was so happy to help out the bride and groom. And, everyone went home with a plate of cookies (we had sooo many.)

You can serve an easy-to make and maintain punch. Sherbert and 7-up or gingerale make a great punch that can be added to easily. Or, consider using the iced-tea recipe DebbieD recently posted on the "What's for Dinner" board.

Sally, people love to help with these events. Please do not turn down any offers. There may be friends or family members who want to be part of this event, but who may be more confortable working in and out of the kitchen. Stock up on some of those Glad-type disposable storage boxes for storing left-overs. And have lots of trash bags on hand (and someone who will take them outside whenever needed).

As mother of the bride, it is so important that you be a part of the celebration, not glued to the kitchen.

And, remember, your guests are coming to celebrate a new marriage! If you are running out of time, just cross some things off your to-do list.

You are going to do just fine, Sally! What a lovely gift you are giving your bride and groom!

Kel