May 5th will be a day to remember.

[kat112073]

On May 5th 2013, I got up 6 am in the morning to finish cooking for the Greek Orthodox Easter Dinner. I was expecting my family over between 2-2:30pm. Well, I needed to finish everything, because this was the very first time I was hosting at my house. All in all, everything went well,however, I forgot to put out the chips with the dip before we actually sat down to eat. I was running a little behind schedule. I should of had the table set the night before, but I guess I was more concerned about the leg of lamb that I  was making for the very first time, and didn't think about anything else at the time. I should of also checked to see if the food that was sitting on the table, needed to be heated before we ate. But now I know, next time what I need to do. I was so exhausted on Monday after Easter. I was on my feet for 16hrs. straight. I can't ever remember working this hard in my whole life.

[erinelise2]

You did it though. Getting everything timed properly is still the hardest part of cooking a big dinner for me.

[cberman]

what is may 5th?

[skrogman]

Hey, good job on doing the job you did!  What is important, though, is did everyone enjoy themselves?  Were you complemented on the day you prepared for everyone?  If so, take the complements in and don't be so hard on yourself.  It sounds like you did GREAT for the first time.

   Smile and relax...now it's over and behind ya!  Chalk it up to experience.

I was married to my ex-husband for nine years and we were military and lived all over the country and never near either of our families.  So no big family occasions.    Well, obviously, I said ex.  But, now that I am with my current boyfriend it is a whole different story and he is from a good sized family.  I remember when I tried to do the first Christmas we had together with his kids, my kids, and all.  Wow, was I overwhelmed!  But I got through it and the kids (which is what it is all about) had a blast and one of those memorable childhood Christmases, and now eleven years together later, occasions are just those things I organize on paper first and just do it.

Like I said, great job and congrats to you on that effort.

[kat112073]

Thank you for your nice words. I did get through it and everyone did enjoy themselves.

[bremer51]

When I entertain I try to remember this statement, "Its not about the food. Its about the people."  I want to put my energy into making sure people feel welcome and enjoy themselves.

[jkhanson]

I sounds like you did a wonderful job kat112073!

The first time you host a family get together with a big or a special meal can be a bit overwhelming.

Sounds like you learned a few tricks to help make the next one go smoother.

I like to get as much of the food prepared during the days before that I can and use my crockpots to help me out on the day of the meal.  Example:  Mashed potatoes can be prepared and frozen in your crockpot days before and then thawed and warmed in time for your meal. 

I have done Turkey that same way. I've cooked it and sliced it all up and put it in my crockpot.  Having the mess of the cooking out of the kitchen alleviates a lot of stress for me on the day of the meal. 

[jwallbank]

It is a hard job!!! My mother in law used to do it for anywhere between 12-20 people depending on how many family members showed up. After my Mother in law started getting up in age, my wife took over for her (at least for our immediate family) daughter,son, grandkids and anyone else that may want to travel to Va. We have got it down over the past 10 years or so since my Mother in law stopped doing it because of Age but, your right the first few years was a job until we got a system going, it will come with time.

[Phx0808]

what is may 5th?

May 5th is the most celebrated day in the world!

Children's Day (Japan) (South Korea)
Cinco de Mayo (Mexico and the United States)
Christian Feast Day: Angelus of Jerusalem
Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice Hilary of Arles Jutta of Kulmsee May 5 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Constitution Day (Kyrgyzstan)
Coronation Day, commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. (Thailand)
Europe Day (Council of Europe)
Feast of al-Khadr or St. George (Palestinian)
Indian Arrival Day (Guyana)
International Midwives' Day (International)
Liberation Day (Denmark)
Liberation Day (The Netherlands)
Lusophone Culture Day (Community of Portuguese-speaking countries)
Martyrs' Day (Albania)
Patriots' Victory Day (Ethiopia)
Senior Citizens Day (Palau)

So pick a reason and celebrate May 5th

[africanclaudie]

Well done "kat112073"! The first time is always the worst....next time you will be wiser and calmer. Glad it all went of well and that everyone had a good time! 

[potluck6]

You did a great with no help it seems.I like to make the veggies the day before a dinner so you just have to heat up.The night before thanksgiving I cut up the onions and celery and put into Ziploc bag so one thing you don't have to do in the morning they go in stuffing.Never knew may fifth was so eventful except for cinco demayo.

[erinelise2]

Thanks for Phx for your post.  I had no idea there were so many holidays on May 5th.

[sarabtrayior]

Well done -- The first time is always the worst....next time you will be wiser and calmer. Glad it all went of well and that everyone had a good time! 

[kat112073]

Thank you all for your replies. I somehow managed even being a little overwhelmed and remained cool at the same time. Thank you all for your inspiring words of wisdom. Feels great to know I accomplished a huge task without any help except for some small  last minute things from my husband.

[cashrose]

On May 5th 2013, I got up 6 am in the morning to finish cooking for the Greek Orthodox Easter Dinner. I was expecting my family over between 2-2:30pm. Well, I needed to finish everything, because this was the very first time I was hosting at my house. All in all, everything went well,however, I forgot to put out the chips with the dip before we actually sat down to eat. I was running a little behind schedule. I should of had the table set the night before, but I guess I was more concerned about the leg of lamb that I  was making for the very first time, and didn't think about anything else at the time. I should of also checked to see if the food that was sitting on the table, needed to be heated before we ate. But now I know, next time what I need to do. I was so exhausted on Monday after Easter. I was on my feet for 16hrs. straight. I can't ever remember working this hard in my whole life.

I just want to say along with the others,that you did a very great job and i know it worthed
at the end. May i asked what is may 5th?