ABC Hostess

Advent by Candlelight is a co-operative event.  Normally each hostess presides over a table that seats 8; this year we ask you to keep your guest list to 5-7 to ease crowding and give more distance. We would like to simplify by doing an appetizer and dessert event to cut down on the foot traffic and crowding in the kitchen. Mask policies will depend on the transmission rate in Howard County that week. Our theme will be about the gift of light and will involve Chinese lanterns

Hostesses may invite whomever they like. Since the event is free of charge, each guest should be asked to bring an appetizer or dessert or wine. If you are an ABC hostess, please submit the names of your guests (when you know)  on this form or email them to Karen Beach and we will provide place cards on the day of the dinner.  Printing happens the day before the event so don't worry about changes or 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 but we ask that you have 5-6 guests total.

How many people should each dish serve? 5-6.  

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 on that day. 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? This year we are doing it cocktail-party-style with appetizers and desserts only.  

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 until serving. 

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 and people can sign up for what they prefer to bring. Or, you can save yourself some paperwork and assign apps and desserts as guests RSVP. You are the hostess so if you want fewer desserts 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.