Hiya all,

I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
dilemma of my own.

I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.

My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
bind.

I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?

Fortunately, I have enough silverware with me. And maybe enough
glasses.

Thanks in advance.

Christine

Christine Dabney > wrote in message
news
> I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
> dilemma of my own.
>
> I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
> are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
> buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
> wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.
>
> My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
> some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
> have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
> bind.

There are services that provide dinnerware, glassware, and silver services
for the number you are entertaining. That's going to be a lot more frugal
than purchasing more dishes, even when the sets go on sale. Besides, you
won't have to store it after you close the doors to this shin-dig.

The Ranger

"Christine Dabney" > wrote in message
news
> Hiya all,

> My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
> some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
> have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
> bind.
>

Christine,

Have you considered renting china? In the DC area there is a place called
Brooke Rental Center which rents china and other party stuff. There are in
Vienna, Arlington and Leesburg. You can find them online at
www.brookerental.com.

-Matt

Christine Dabney wrote:

> I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
> might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
> what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
> that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?

Have you checked out party stores? Not to be confused with what some
people call liquor stores, I mean places where you get supplies for
parties, like balloons, etc. etc. etc., but they also rent stuff like
real plates for a day. It's not expensive. If you go that route,
you might want to reserve however many dishes you want.

nancy

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:48:44 -0500, Nancy Young
> wrote:


>Have you checked out party stores? Not to be confused with what some
>people call liquor stores, I mean places where you get supplies for
>parties, like balloons, etc. etc. etc., but they also rent stuff like
>real plates for a day. It's not expensive. If you go that route,
>you might want to reserve however many dishes you want.
>
>nancy

Not yet, I haven't. I am just in the early stages of planning this
gathering, and I haven't really checked out much yet. Except my
menu, That is much farther along.

Christine

On 24 Dec 2003 21:47:46 GMT, (Naomi Darvell) wrote:


>I don't know what your decor and your standards are like, but you might try
>Target if you have one around. I've bought some plain stoneware there, in
>off-white and bright colors, for not much money at all.
>
>
>Naomi D.

Okay a clarification is in order, I think.

I am not going to BUY any new china. I am a traveling nurse, and I
will be leaving this area in about 5 weeks. I don't have the room to
cart around any more stuff. I bring about 4 plates, and bowls with
me. My car is stuffed to the gills as it is when I am ready to be on
the road.

So this is not an option for me.

Renting or good quality paper plates are the only route I can go right
now...

Christine

Christine Dabney wrote:

> Okay a clarification is in order, I think.
>
> I am not going to BUY any new china. I am a traveling nurse, and I
> will be leaving this area in about 5 weeks. I don't have the room to
> cart around any more stuff. I bring about 4 plates, and bowls with
> me. My car is stuffed to the gills as it is when I am ready to be on
> the road.

Actually, buying inexpensive dishes (try Goodwill even) might solve your
problems and then you can turn around and re-donate them back again and take the
tax deduction.
Have you enjoyed the city though? Where to next?
Goomba

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 17:03:37 -0500, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>Christine Dabney wrote:
>
>> Okay a clarification is in order, I think.
>>
>> I am not going to BUY any new china. I am a traveling nurse, and I
>> will be leaving this area in about 5 weeks. I don't have the room to
>> cart around any more stuff. I bring about 4 plates, and bowls with
>> me. My car is stuffed to the gills as it is when I am ready to be on
>> the road.
>
>Actually, buying inexpensive dishes (try Goodwill even) might solve your
>problems and then you can turn around and re-donate them back again and take the
>tax deduction.
>Have you enjoyed the city though? Where to next?
>Goomba

Yeah, I have been thinking of that as well. I have several options, it
seems. I am going to check out rental places next week, and maybe
thrift stores as well. I might need a 2nd large platter, which I am
thinking I could either rent, or get from a thrift store. Then turn
around and use your idea of donating them back.

Not sure where I will be going next. I probably am heading back
towards California for a few weeks, or maybe even an assignment there.
After that, I am really wanting to go to CO for an assignment. There
seem to be some NICU needs there.

It was nice coming east for the holidays, but I think I am a western
girl at heart.

For any RFC'ers along the route, I am more than likely going back to
the west coast by way of the "southern" route, along I-10. I will be
heading down the east coast via way of I-95, then connecting with
I-10. I don't feel like dealing with snow and ice on my way back
west, so that seems to be the most feasible solution. I am thinking
of spending a few days in New Orleans to feast, then on my way again.
If anyone wants to get together, who is on my way west, let me know.
I won't be leaving for the west coast until the end of January, or
first of February.

Christine

Christine Dabney wrote:
>
> I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
> are in the greater DC area, before I leave.
> My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates.
>
> I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
> might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
> what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
> that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?
>

Look in the phone book for headings like Party Rentals.
These stores have EVERYTHING from champagne fountains to
wine glasses, dishes and flatware to rent. My neighbor
throws monster Thanksgiving dinners and she uses their stuff,
even down to tables, tablecloths and chairs, all the time.
Platters, chafing dishes, you name it they have it.

Good luck,
gloria p

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 21:37:51 GMT, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

>Hiya all,
>
>I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
>dilemma of my own.
>
>I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
>are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
>buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
>wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.
>
>My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
>some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
>have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
>bind.
>
>I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
>might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
>what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
>that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?
>
>Fortunately, I have enough silverware with me. And maybe enough
>glasses.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Christine

You might check a second hand store or the Salvation Army & be able to
find dinner plates that are complementary to the ones you currently
have.

Boron

I agree with Ranger....rent what you need and have a wonderful party.
Peace,
Ellie

in article , Christine Dabney at
wrote on 12/24/03 4:37 PM:

> I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
> might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
> what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
> that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?
>
> Fortunately, I have enough silverware with me. And maybe enough
> glasses.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Christine


Dear Christine,
Haven't seen it in awhile, it's been several years since I've been to a
Lenox outlet, but I once saw paper plates in their Poppies on Blue pattern
there. I have also seen some Pfaltzgraff patterned paper plates, at the
Pfaltzgraff outlet.

Now, that's pretty fancy, don't you think? Seriously, they were sturdy
plates and they certainly weren't tacky. If you have an outlet mall nearby,
run over there this weekend and have a look in the china shops and see
what's there, you might be surprised at what you find. I have always loved
Poppies on Blue and I almost bought those stupid paper plates several times,
just to have on hand for when I wanted them. Never did, but now that I'm
thinking about it, I wish I had.

I think most people expect to use paper plates nowadays at large gatherings.
I think, if you use real flatware and at least have some glasses available,
and the food is good and you present it elegantly, the plates will hardly
even be noticed. It is the general "feeling" of elegance you want to
create. If you set out a plastic margarine tub full of Li'l Smokies with a
squeeze bottle of French's mustard next to it, a tub of Kraft onion dip and
a bag of Ruffles, I think people will not think it's a very elegant party,
and the paper plates will be the least of your problems. but if you prepare
an elegant spread, set out on lovely platters/bowls, (or even the above
menu, but presented with a bit of panache) with pretty flowers around,
candles, wine in real glasses and real flatware, and the paper plates you
get are sturdy and stand up to real food, I doubt anyone would even care.

I have used Hefty plates, they are called, I believe ELEGANTWARE. They are
hexagonal, i believe and come in bright colors (deep red or cobalt blue).
they are coated styrofoam. Styrofoam, so they are strong, but coated, so
they are impervious to heat, cutting, bending, etc. They are very, very
good "paper" plates. I have even rinsed and reused them, if I just had a
sandwich on one, for example. And if you pick them up at Walmart, not
terrifically expensive. I think you get 2 30-plate packs for $5, something
like that.

Dixie also makes some heavy duty paper plates that are not horribly ugly.
And Solo makes some plastic plates that are sturdy, also bright primary
colors and I wouldn't call them tacky, either.

I would go with the solid colors of Hefty Elegantware or Solo over the Dixie
patterns, unless you find a china pattern that you like done up in paper.
Like I said, i haven't looked for it in awhile, but I've seen it.

In many areas, and I would assume in D.C., it's pretty easy to rent
dinnerware and glassware, and this might be a route you'd like to
investigate. I agree, there is certainly no substitute for "real"
dinnerware.

Have a great party!

Wayne

In article >,
wrote:

> Hiya all,
>
> I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
> dilemma of my own.
>
> I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
> are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
> buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
> wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.

Check the dollar stores. Thrift shops. Kmart.
--
-Barb
12-23-03: Tourtiere pictures and recipe have been
added to my site: <www.jamlady.eboard.com>
"If you're ever in a jam, here I am."

>Christine Dabney > wrote:
>
>>Hiya all,
>>
>>I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
>>dilemma of my own.
>>
>>I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
>>are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
>>buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
>>wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.
>>
>>My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
>>some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
>>have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
>>bind.
>>
>>I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
>>might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
>>what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
>>that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?
>>
>>Fortunately, I have enough silverware with me. And maybe enough
>>glasses.
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>Christine

Chinette


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

In article >,
wrote:

>
> Renting or good quality paper plates are the only route I can go right
> now...
>
> Christine

Rent. I hate paper plates. I don't care how pretty they are.
--
-Barb
12-23-03: Tourtiere pictures and recipe have been
added to my site: <www.jamlady.eboard.com>
"If you're ever in a jam, here I am."

Any chance you can borrow them, if you have been hanging out for a while get
a couple of them to bring along a few extra plates. When I have big
gatherings I end up getting people to bring chairs as I only have 10 in the
house (there are only two of us living here) and if I have lots I often need
wine glasses as well.


"The Ranger" > wrote in message
...
> Christine Dabney > wrote in message
> news
> > I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
> > dilemma of my own.
> >
> > I am wanting (and planning) to host a group of traveling nurses who
> > are in the greater DC area, before I leave. I am planning a dinner
> > buffet at this moment, and yes, there will be plenty of food and
> > wine. Probably more than enough, as I tend to cook for an army.
> >
> > My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
> > some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
> > have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
> > bind.
>
> There are services that provide dinnerware, glassware, and silver services
> for the number you are entertaining. That's going to be a lot more frugal
> than purchasing more dishes, even when the sets go on sale. Besides, you
> won't have to store it after you close the doors to this shin-dig.
>
> The Ranger
>
>

>I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
>might have to go that route.

###############
There is nothing wrong with paper plates ...just get the good ones like
chinette.Strudy ones. BG

Christine Dabney > wrote:

> I really, really dislike paper plates for parties, but I am thinking I
> might have to go that route. I haven't been to the stores yet to see
> what is out there in that department. Are there any really nice ones,
> that might do the job and not give such an impression of tackiness?

> Fortunately, I have enough silverware with me. And maybe enough
> glasses.

I like Chinette and Dixie's foam plates. Check any decent supermarket
and you'll find a large selection of disposable plates and cutlery.
You might also check around in some of the local dollar stores to see
if they have any decent ceramic plates at low cost.

Tigger News wrote:

> Any chance you can borrow them, if you have been hanging out for a while get
> a couple of them to bring along a few extra plates.

Hey!! That might be a cute idea! Have everyone bring their own plate!! Just
explain that while you adore entertaining, being a traveler means you can't
carry much with you. If everyone brought their own one plate it might be a
great conversation starter. Tell 'em to bring their favorite one, maybe the
plates will have "history" behind them? It could work.. honest...
Goomba

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 21:37:51 GMT, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

> Hiya all,
>
> I was following the thread about parties, and I am coming up with a
> dilemma of my own.
>
<snip>
> My problem is this: I will only have 8 real china plates. I brought
> some dinnerware with me, and the company furnished a bit more. If I
> have more than 8 people show up for this gathering, I am in a bit of a
> bind.
>
Have you considered renting? A lot of people do that...
it's practicle because you don't have to wash dishes (or
glasses) after the party.


Practice safe eating - always use condiments

This could be an interesting event if you say "bring a plate". Whereas, to
Americans (so they tell me) this implies that you would bring a piece of
crockery, in Australia, "bring a plate" actually means for the guests to
bring a portion of food (usually a cake, or other dessert) - sort of like,
everyone contributes to the dinner.

Just one of the cultural differences out there.