Any party planners out there?

[SetzKitten]

DH and I (which means me ) are planning to host an open house the first weekend in December. We've been in the neighborhood for a year and half and only know about half of our neighbors. We're planning an Italian theme buffet. I've never planned a party and could use any suggestions or survival tips you have. Please be honest and tell me if any of my plan is un-pc, weird or just not done.

I thought I'd send flyers to the 10 or 12 houses on my cul-de-sac inviting them from 7:00-10:00 pm. I don't know if they will bring kids or not, so that means I could have between 10 and 40 guests. I don't think RSVP's are required for an open house, correct?How do I plan food for an unspecified number of people?

I'm planning to serve appetizer portions of ravioli lasagna (got the recipe from Rachel Ray, looks easy) and homemade meatballs & sauce, also a veggie platter, finger rolls with italian coldcuts, cheese and crackers and some biscotti and mini-cheesecakes for dessert. We'll have italian wine, amaretto and punch.

I already bought my Moonstruck cd for the "authentic" italian music. I'll decorate with posters of Italy, red checkered tablecloths and chianti bottles.

I really want this party to be a success. Please help.

 

[disykat]

I would try to talk to the neighbors individually as well as the flyers. We've done some neighborhood things. Even if they are in the middle of the culdesac, people who don't know the people "throwing" the party don't seem to feel comfortable coming. I'm afraid they wouldn't want to come into your home if they didn't feel like they know you.

It's weird that you have to already know the neighbors to get to know them, but that's the way it seems to work around here.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I would invite the kids too and ask for a regrets only RSVP. If you leave it open, no one will reply and probably no one would come. If you have their kids too, they can't use the babysitter excuse.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I love planning parties!! I second the idea to talk to your neighbors and hand them the invitation rather than sticking a flyer in their mailbox. I would also put an RSVP on it, you don't want to make up tons of ravioli if only 2 families can come. Make sure you specify on the invitation it's an Italian themed party, that way they won't think you're house is always decked out in checkered tableclothes and posters........haha!
If you are going to invite the kids (I think you should if it's a truly get-to-know-your-neighbors event), make sure you have actitivites for them. Do you have a den or somewhere they could watch a movie/color/play board games?
I think the time should be more like 7-9pm. If it goes well people can always stay later. 2 hours seems like plenty of time for some mingling and finger foods, especially when people are just getting to know each other.

 

[juligrl]

I love planning parties!! I second the idea to talk to your neighbors and hand them the invitation rather than sticking a flyer in their mailbox. I would also put an RSVP on it, you don't want to make up tons of ravioli if only 2 families can come. Make sure you specify on the invitation it's an Italian themed party, that way they won't think you're house is always decked out in checkered tableclothes and posters........haha!
If you are going to invite the kids (I think you should if it's a truly get-to-know-your-neighbors event), make sure you have actitivites for them. Do you have a den or somewhere they could watch a movie/color/play board games?
I think the time should be more like 7-9pm. If it goes well people can always stay later. 2 hours seems like plenty of time for some mingling and finger foods, especially when people are just getting to know each other.

ITA on the personal invite!
This avoids the whole "I never got an invitation" thing/excuse. Also a personal invite is just so much more...personal.
Ditto on the RSVP.
As for the kids, maybe a movie (Lady & the Tramp seems appropriate for your Italian theme) and a couple of board games.