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Advent by Candlelight is a co-operative dinner. Although every year we come closer to filling the hall, each table has a different dinner for eight guests organized by one hostess. This event is completely free of charge so every guest is asked to contribute something for the meal. Hostesses may invite whomever they like and can have as many or as few guests as they like (but the table holds 8 comfortably.) If you are an ABC hostess, please submit the names of your guests (when you know) on this form and we will provide place cards on the day of the dinner. Printing happens the day before the event so don't worry about late entries.
Hostess FAQ’s for Advent By Candlelight
What size are the tables? 60" round-- they will be covered with white table cloths. You can use or add your own table cloth or runner or an organza overlay -- whatever you prefer. Tables seat eight. So please invite as many as seven guests to fill your table. (We have been able to squeeze 9 in a pinch.)
How many people should each dish serve? Eight.
Will wine glasses be provided? The school no longer stores wine glasses in the building, so please bring your own, or ask a guest to bring them.
Will coffee be provided and if so, coffee cups? YES and YES.
Will water be provided? Nothing other than tap water will be provided.
Will we be able to set our tables in the afternoon and come back for the evening? YES - and please do! The hall will be open for about 2 hours in the afternoon. It's actually important to have your table completely set before guests arrive so we can welcome them and show them to their table. Waiting until 6 or 6:30 has wound up to be awkward for some guests in the past.
Does the hostess have to bring the main dish? No, you can ask another guest to do that; many love to cook.
Can I plug in a crockpot? Unfortunately, no food can be prepared on the premises and crock pots are considered a fire hazard. We do have warming ovens so you and your guests can prepare at home and keep warm before the meal.
Does the hostess have to decorate the table? No, another guest can do that or it can also be a team effort. All tables should have an ADVENT wreath or similar centerpiece with four candles (any color) because we really do eat by candlelight. ALSO, table-setting is done earlier in the day so that guests can be welcomed as soon as they arrive.
How do people assign food? Whatever is easiest: you can email your guests all at once with a reply-all sign-up sheet or Sign Up Genius (For example 2 appetizers, 2 sides, 1 main dish, 2 desserts and wine) and people can sign up for what they prefer to bring. Or, you can save yourself some paperwork and assign food as guests RSVP. You are the hostess so if you want fewer appetizers or to forego the wine, add rolls and butter -- feel free.
That sounds like too much food. Can I give some of my guests a break? YES, of course. But remember many tables will have a guest who can't come at the last minute and too much food is a relatively good problem to have.
Each hostess will have one table for dining and one table for serving dishes.