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Both my son and my Mom were ill around the same time. Our friends and coworkers couldn't have been more suppportive. Everyone was praying for us. Some people brought meals over etc etc. Both are doing well now and we want to thank our friends and coworkers. I am looking for some ideas of what to do for this group. I know I'll be hiring a caterer. That's a given. Any and all ideas are welcome - even if they are over the top, doesn't matter. I am trying to get as many ideas as possible to put together something really nice.
Thanks

i would just do a simple back yard open house with a lite brq with maybe a little thank you gift like a little baggy of mints with a tag that says thank you for your kindness

Under these circumstances, I really don't think throwing a party is necessary (much less with a caterer and one that you want to be "really nice") but I do understand if that is what you want to do.

So, if you decide to go forward, myself? I would make it a "THANK YOU" party with "PRAY*ERS ARE ANSWERED" and take it from there. Make the menu simple - offer drinks (both non-alcoholic and those with), some appetizers served ahead of time, main course and then dessert and coffee.

If outside, it will be easier, but if it has to be inside, move furniture out, rent some round tables with chairs and white tablecloths. A candle on each table will add atmosphere; a personalized note at each place setting saying "Thank you [insert first name] for being there" is enough... no need for anything more.

After my knee surgery, I wanted to thank all who brought food so I had a luncheon for them in the house. Served buffet style -- entree, salad, bread and then dessert. Everyone was so kind to bring food and I felt that my party was just a small way to say thanks.

Martha

Thanks so much for the ideas. It's funny my husband wanted more of a cook-out like Sierramist suggested. I wanted something a little bit more like Martha suggested. Martha summed up exactly what I was feeling in terms of why I wanted to have the party. Between both our jobs it would be at least 50 invites. For such a group I'd use a caterer regardless of what we end up doing. I am not a cook by any stretch of the imagination and these are primarily coworkers so I wouldn't want them to come and help with the food prep. These people even had a prayer service for my child. We have no family here and are new to the area and have just been through the ringer - we felt so cared for it was unbelievable. We just really feel it in our heart to say thanks.
Thanks for the tag line, Idaho! Funny you mentioned that because at one point I was thinking of having a gospel singer do some songs for entertainment. If we end up having music it wil probably be inspiration spongs as opposed to strictly gospel. I know I don't "have to" go all out etc but I want something memorable. We are so grateful for everything.

I would skip the party, send notes of sincere thanks &/or publish the same in the local paper.

I would explain that because of all the outpouring of friendship and love at a time of great need we were making a contribution to a charity/hospital/research, etc. that supports the cause of the travesty involved to honor everyone who helped our family get through this stressful time.

Throwing a showy party is just that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lurah,

Hmmm, I didn't think of it as throwing a "showy party". We always have some form of music when we entertain. I can't think of the last time I had a party where I didn't use a caterer. That's just our way. I was merely looking for ideas of doing something a little different for this particular gathering. We have the charity part covered. That's in the works.

If it's something you would enjoy doing, then by all means...I'm sure it would be appreciated, but I don't think anyone would really expect it.

Don't know what budget you want to work with, but some other ideas might be: restaurant gift certificates, a gift of a craft you excel in (or a bottle of home made wine, etc.), movie tickets, home made bread or rolls, etc......

Glad you all feel better!!!

Exactly, CJO, I would enjoy it. I enjoy the whole process of thinking through an event to making it happen. There was a time in my life when I was way too shy and introverted to do something like this. You are right nobody expects it and for me that is part of the fun. Key people will get a nice note and some flowers. I didn't want to make gifts too specific to look like "payback".

Sherrywood, I am happy to hear of your mom's and son's recovery and your desire to express thanks for thoughts, acts and pr@yers. I do agree that "paying it forward" via a donation to a church or charity in their honor is best, but you would also like to host a party as well. What better way then to have a Thanksgiving complete w/ turkey and trimmings?! It could be a smoked turkey or BBQ (turkey burgers or kabobs perhaps) more befitting the season, but the theme and all that it evokes will not be lost. Do some Web research on quotes, passages, pr@yers, songs that help w/ this gratitude theme. Use them around a buffet table in signs or even a handwritten tablecloth which guests can sign as a lasting momento of the occasion. Blessings to you and yours~

I think the party is a wonderful idea and not showy at all! Celebrate your mother's and son's return to better health AND the thoughtfulness of your friends and co-workers. It can be done low-key without embarrassing them but also letting them know that you more than appreciate their love, prayers, and concern during that trying time.

Oh my! The idea that relatively new friends showed such an outpouring of love for your family - by all means CELEBRATE!

I think it's a great idea! What a good reason to party, your family is better and you want to give thanks. How is that showy?
If you don't have the time to cook yourself, by all means hire a caterer.