Hosting Sunday Party: What to Do?

[RossDeb2]

I have a host for my Sunday party who does not want me to cook. When host coaching, we had decided to do the Chicken Broccoli Braid and now on Friday, she had decided that she does not want food prepared and has really no idea who is coming!?!? Should I just do a potato and cucumber demo? Any advice? She says she has invited people...just does not know who is attending. I offered to make reminder calls for her and she said No. She has not mentioned cancelling. I just don't know what to make of this???

 

[cmdtrgd]

Let her know that this is not how you can do business and make money. Suggest that you reschedule for a different day. Let her know that you are trying something new with your hosts - sending invitations and making the reminder calls.

 

[cmdtrgd]

It just sounds too weird for my taste.

 

[4kids4me]

Maybe $$$ is an issue and she's nervous about buying ingredients and having too many people over that she can't afford to "feed". Could you offer to pick them up for her? I know a few years ago, that would've held me back, too. Just a thought.

 

[letscook04]

What?? She has really no idea who is coming!?!? I would ask her one more time that you need to know how many people she invited because you do not want to waste your Sunday!!

 

[jeanniec]

Two issues here: people and food.The first issue is whether she actually has people coming to her show. If she does, then great - move on to the food issue. If she doesn't, then ask her to clarify whether she wants no food at her show at all, or if she just does not want you to do a recipe demonstration. This brings me to the second issue....If she is telling you she doesn't want food at the party, maybe she actually doesn't want a demo of a recipe. Some people simply don't like demonstrations and want a show that is less structured. I do not do a demo at my shows - I bring a recipe already done and do a flip chart presentation that takes 15 minutes. Then the guests play with the tools, shop, chat and ask me questions. It is very casual. If it turns out that your host doesn't want a demo, I can give you my basic outline for my shows (I also posted it somewhere else on here, too) and you can offer her that. I would ask her to clarify what she means.

 

[pckelly]

That's sound weird too. I would definitely try to get an honest answer about who is coming!!
Jeannie, where is your outline????

 

[lsm72]

I'd like to see your outline as well Jeannie....do tell where it is!

 

[RossDeb2]

Thanks for the advice. I would like to see your outline. I am calling her this evening and will get clarification. She's just really vague. Yes, perhaps the issue may be the cost of the food but the recipe is not that pricey. I would even offer to bring the ingredients but not if there is only a couple of people attending?? I hate to be negative but she does not even sound like she is trying to plan for the party. Even better yet...she does direct sales herself for 4 companies. She should know how these things go!

 

[amy07]

Even better yet...she does direct sales herself for 4 companies. She should know how these things go!

Interesting!! FOUR companies?!?!

 

[chefjeanine]

Sounds like you're going to get a call on Saturday or Sunday cancelling this show. . .maybe not but I'd be worried.

I hate to see you cancel and her actually have guest who are planning to attend. I think the advice of trying to understand why she's saying "no food" as suggested by others. Money? Structure?

Good Luck!

 

[jeanniec]

Found it!! Here is the post that has my basic outline:

http://www.chefsuccess.com/showpost.php?p=181632&postcount=10