Sounds like fun, but I'll echo those who say 'start small'. I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but I'd rather see you start small, succeed, and expand.
Originally Posted by Fratelli
+1 - Plan one small one and if that works out or is just a hell of a lot of fun, adjust and give it another shot after a couple months or three. Since the ladies are the real key to the whole endeavor, get a list and a date, then meet with them and figure out their requirements for participation especially in terms of screening and references. Once that is done you'll be better able to determine budget, hours, location, games, food and drinks. I'll be more than happy to advise and I cook a mean brisket, bartend and have a fair cellar and know my wine.
yes but I was hoping to hear idea of games thee locals here like not just pick off a random list.
still no one says anything about what they might like to eat...
Originally Posted by Secret_Amore
OK, I have no opinion on games, sorry. I play chess and backgammon and the occasional blackjack, but that is all.
think most of the eats should be simple, fairly light and sexy (oysters anyone) for a number of reasons. Snacks like fruit, salads, veggie plates, nut, olives, hummus and some sweets too.... Various proteins will allow people to nibble from 8pm to 6am and keep energy up without feeling heavy and sleepy. Chicken or lamb on skewers possibly. Finger food that could be spread and licked or eaten off one another might be fun too. My favorite hobby food is sushi (though can be a bit expensive for a party like this and can spoil so it is tricky) because after a half hour I have energy, but feel like I haven't had a full meal. Some simple soup like Miso would keep people hydrated, yet provide some energy. You also have to consider foods that can be kept fresh for 10 hours and won't spoil and make people sick. Some folks are very sensitive to that. Also there probably won't be anyone paying a lot of attention to keeping the food in perfect shape (everyone hopefully will be distracted much of the time) so choices are important.
Booze/drinks are pretty easy, light beer, dark beer, a good sparkling wine, a medium red, light white and Bourbon, Scotch, Vodka, Gin, Run and Tequila in 1.75 bottles and mixers (lots of bottled water, sparkling, Coke, sprite, tonic, ginger ale, RedBull, juices, lemons, limes should do). Get top shelf booze, but not stupid (sorry if you only drink Ciroc, sour mash not bourbon or Johnny Walker Blue you can bring your own bottle) and 98% of the people who might come will be happy. I would be astonished if most of the folks who have very specific requirements would not be happy to bring their own stash and a good bartender can take care of that. When people are applying for this soirée you could use a survey site and have them indicate their food, drink, game, toy and time preferences. I'm a techie and can help with that too if you like. You could also just have everyone bring a bottle of their own first choice and have the first one be BYOB.