We SURPRISED Papa!
Papa’s 75th birthday was a couple of weeks ago – we had a “fake/dinky†party for him on the Fourth. Minimal, cheap presents, Jeff claimed that the gift he had ordered on-line hadn’t yet arrived… Of course, we fed him well, so he was still happy.
In fact, we had been planning his REAL party since March – the basic menu, guest list, date, invites to out-of-towners - even his gift! And he never suspected.
We opted for a remake of the Grilled Pizza Party that Jeff & Anita hosted a couple years ago. As there were more people attending this time, and we had learned that you could only grill so many pizzas at a time, I picked up a Stuffed Spinach Pizza, cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer. A beautiful antipasto platter, tossed green salad, and a fresh fruit salad rounded out the menu – and cake, of course! Gallons of fluids!!! We had some clever moments along the way, and I just have to share these tips! After a massive “power shopping excursionâ€, Anita and I divvied up the prep tasks (and appropriate groceries). Where possible we had purchased pre-sliced or shredded… and one great tip was to buy several of those semi-disposable plastic containers in assorted sizes. Use 1) store prepped items. Use 2) we served straight from the containers (with lids, to protect from bugs, etc)… Use 3) storage for leftovers. Best part? NO WASHING!!! Brilliant moment Number 2) Shape and partially grill the personal sized pizza shells the night before!! Less waiting, less rushing, less work the day of the party. Now, here’s where we mimicked the pros – using large aluminum roasting pans, we layered ice, then placed all our produce, cheeses and meats (in their containers) on top! Our own improvised salad bar! Now, this is the most important tip - how we kept it a surprise… WE DIDN’T TELL MOM
In fact, we had been planning his REAL party since March – the basic menu, guest list, date, invites to out-of-towners - even his gift! And he never suspected.
We opted for a remake of the Grilled Pizza Party that Jeff & Anita hosted a couple years ago. As there were more people attending this time, and we had learned that you could only grill so many pizzas at a time, I picked up a Stuffed Spinach Pizza, cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer. A beautiful antipasto platter, tossed green salad, and a fresh fruit salad rounded out the menu – and cake, of course! Gallons of fluids!!! We had some clever moments along the way, and I just have to share these tips! After a massive “power shopping excursionâ€, Anita and I divvied up the prep tasks (and appropriate groceries). Where possible we had purchased pre-sliced or shredded… and one great tip was to buy several of those semi-disposable plastic containers in assorted sizes. Use 1) store prepped items. Use 2) we served straight from the containers (with lids, to protect from bugs, etc)… Use 3) storage for leftovers. Best part? NO WASHING!!! Brilliant moment Number 2) Shape and partially grill the personal sized pizza shells the night before!! Less waiting, less rushing, less work the day of the party. Now, here’s where we mimicked the pros – using large aluminum roasting pans, we layered ice, then placed all our produce, cheeses and meats (in their containers) on top! Our own improvised salad bar! Now, this is the most important tip - how we kept it a surprise… WE DIDN’T TELL MOM
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