raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 12:11:48 GMT -5
We're hosting potentially 30 people this year (20 is just family so it really isn't as big as it sounds).
It's been a LONG time since I hosted anything on a bigger scale, and I can't take any time off that week. So I need to be ready and I no longer have "the list" of prep work. So any help is appreciated. So far I've invited everyone. This weekend I plan to:
1) Wash the china, get additional settings and have it set aside for the big day. 2) Order ham 3) Print/organize recipes. 4) Count/wash all serving dishes/spoons and store with china. 5) Verify tables/chairs, table clothes, napkins, etc. 6) Make and freeze bread cubes for stuffing. 7) Brown and freeze ground meat for stuffing.
The next weekend we will deep clean the house and patio and make sure we have network tv set up so that people can watch the game.
What else can I do ahead of time? Anyone have a list they use for these types of things?
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Nov 3, 2014 12:19:45 GMT -5
30 people! I'd be adding "get the wine" to the list because I'd be doing a lot of drinking before hand.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Nov 3, 2014 12:20:13 GMT -5
Ray, get outta my head! I just had the same thoughts, and I was also going to ask (if you don't mind me crashing your thread) if anyone has a side order of family drama on tap for the holiday. I have some minor surgery to get done between now and the holiday, so I have to start early with preparations. We eat fresh Kosher turkey, so I need to order one this week. My niece is a vegetarian, so I need to plan a few dishes for her (and I don't mind doing it; she's wonderful, and we can all eat those things anyway). My brother and his family are staying over Thanksgiving night. We offered to keep the kids (ages 16, 15 and 8) and let him and the DW have a nice night in a hotel. Heck, I'll have extra cleanup help if we have the kids.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Nov 3, 2014 12:21:56 GMT -5
What about clothes?
About this time of year, I do a holiday clothes check, to make sure the kids still have clothing that's appropriate and fits. If it's been awhile, I might look into getting a new shirt or something.
I don't know how you all take pictures (smartphone vs camera). But, I'd check on the camera situation and make sure you have enough batteries, everything is in working order.
How many kids will be there besides your own? Might you want to have some kid friendly activities set up especially if there will be older kids at the party. (When we get together with DH's cousins, the kids always play cards.)
I know you mentioned deep cleaning, but will you decorate? If so, I would look through what you have and pick up anything you might want to add. Thanksgiving decorations won't be around for much longer.
ETA: We have a recipe for make ahead mashed potatoes. You could do that this weekend as well.
ETAA: Along the clothing line, I schedule hair cuts for the kids in another week or so. We take our kids to Penny's for Christmas pictures, and I usually schedule that for Thanksgiving weekend, since everyone else is out shopping/digesting/watching football.
OK, I'll just keep adding here. Check paper goods. TP, paper towels, etc. I'd have extra on hand...
And, I'd be sure to keep up on the family laundry. Table clothes, napkins, etc are going to be extra that you'll need to wash sooner than later after the meal.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 12:23:11 GMT -5
my suggestion is ordering a meal from the supermarket.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Nov 3, 2014 12:24:29 GMT -5
Make things ahead on the weekends leading up and freeze them. Frozen salads, deserts, cheese spread/dip for appetizers. When I was pregnant with DD, I started November 1 and each weekend, I would make something that went in the freezer. (I also made double, so all the side dishes were the same for Christmas - remember I was due Dec 31 and didn't know if I was going early or late and didn't want to be stuck hosting, even for 6 with no food).
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Nov 3, 2014 12:32:13 GMT -5
You can pre make the pumpkin and/or apple pie fillings and freeze them. (assuming you are making ALL the dishes, or will you be out-sourcing desserts, starters, etc?)
Thaw 2 days before baking. Bake 1 day before T day (IME).
Plan appetizers and snacks for before the meal?
It's hard to say much more without knowing the menu.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Nov 3, 2014 12:34:44 GMT -5
I just had the same thoughts, and I was also going to ask (if you don't mind me crashing your thread) if anyone has a side order of family drama on tap for the holiday. Drama already starting. SIL has her three kids enrolled in private school. Oldest one (5th grade) they pulled out and put in public school. They gave it two weeks and decided that it was crap and put her back in private. I'm fine with that. But last night I had to hear (over and over and over) about what a disservice I'm doing to DS because I have him in public school and how much better they are for sacrificing for their kids. My lip is bleeding from all the biting on it. I tried telling her that my kid likes science and they don't teach science at her religious school. She didn't get it. I can't wait for Thanksgiving for the conversation to continue.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Nov 3, 2014 12:41:40 GMT -5
I just had the same thoughts, and I was also going to ask (if you don't mind me crashing your thread) if anyone has a side order of family drama on tap for the holiday. Drama already starting. SIL has her three kids enrolled in private school. Oldest one (5th grade) they pulled out and put in public school. They gave it two weeks and decided that it was crap and put her back in private. I'm fine with that. But last night I had to hear (over and over and over) about what a disservice I'm doing to DS because I have him in public school and how much better they are for sacrificing for their kids. My lip is bleeding from all the biting on it. I tried telling her that my kid likes science and they don't teach science at her religious school. She didn't get it. I can't wait for Thanksgiving for the conversation to continue. Sorry. This is a total thread jack. It really bothers me when folks who send their kids to private school do that. I usually start the conversation with "We aren't your typical private school types." if it comes up.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Nov 3, 2014 12:46:06 GMT -5
I just had the same thoughts, and I was also going to ask (if you don't mind me crashing your thread) if anyone has a side order of family drama on tap for the holiday. Drama already starting. SIL has her three kids enrolled in private school. Oldest one (5th grade) they pulled out and put in public school. They gave it two weeks and decided that it was crap and put her back in private. I'm fine with that. But last night I had to hear (over and over and over) about what a disservice I'm doing to DS because I have him in public school and how much better they are for sacrificing for their kids. My lip is bleeding from all the biting on it. I tried telling her that my kid likes science and they don't teach science at her religious school. She didn't get it. I can't wait for Thanksgiving for the conversation to continue. I asked my brother if he wanted to bring his MIL to dinner. No, she's staying home alone, with the dog. Dude, seriously? I know you don't like her, but leaving her alone? Heck, I'm not a fan of hers, but even I'm not that much of a meanie.
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Abby Normal
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Post by Abby Normal on Nov 3, 2014 12:47:21 GMT -5
Drama already starting. SIL has her three kids enrolled in private school. Oldest one (5th grade) they pulled out and put in public school. They gave it two weeks and decided that it was crap and put her back in private. I'm fine with that. But last night I had to hear (over and over and over) about what a disservice I'm doing to DS because I have him in public school and how much better they are for sacrificing for their kids. My lip is bleeding from all the biting on it. I tried telling her that my kid likes science and they don't teach science at her religious school. She didn't get it. I can't wait for Thanksgiving for the conversation to continue. Sorry. This is a total thread jack. It really bothers me when folks who send their kids to private school do that. I usually start the conversation with "We aren't your typical private school types." if it comes up. I have no problem with private school. I would do it myself if there was one around that met our needs. Her issue with it was that in the first two weeks of school, the work they were giving her was too easy. First couple weeks of school here are always assessments. They obviously decided to switch her for a reason, then didn't even give it a chance.
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ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Nov 3, 2014 12:53:56 GMT -5
Once you have your menu and recipes set make a list of all ingredient needed, including drinks.
Then make a list of everything you have and a list of everything you need to buy.
Then make a list of what you can buy now versus what have to buy later. make a schedule of when you will buy that stuff.
Make a schedule of the week before Thanksgiving. What will be made on what day.
Make a detailed schedule of Thanksgiving day, what will be made and when, including last minute needs for recipes that were mostly done ahead of time. Make a schedule for the oven about what can go in and when, considering what temps things cook at and how long things can sit out.
make a list of all serving pieces needed and what will go in them. My wife likes to set the table a few days ahead of time and put a sticky on all of the serving pieces and what will go in it. That way people can help put things in the right pieces on T-day.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Nov 3, 2014 12:55:14 GMT -5
We're hosting potentially 30 people this year (20 is just family so it really isn't as big as it sounds). It's been a LONG time since I hosted anything on a bigger scale, and I can't take any time off that week. So I need to be ready and I no longer have "the list" of prep work. So any help is appreciated. So far I've invited everyone. This weekend I plan to: I would try not to create unnecessary work for yourself. I would hope that the main point is to get everyone together and enjoy yourselves.1) Wash the china, get additional settings and have it set aside for the big day. Why not do Chinette? Especially if this will be a buffet.2) Order ham Look for a good price on this and freeze it.3) Print/organize recipes. Figure out which dishes can be delegate to other family members4) Count/wash all serving dishes/spoons and store with china. 5) Verify tables/chairs, table clothes, napkins, etc. 6) Make and freeze bread cubes for stuffing. 7) Brown and freeze ground meat for stuffing. The next weekend we will deep clean the house and patio and make sure we have network tv set up so that people can watch the game. Of course you want the house to look nice and presentable but don't wear yourself out with a deep cleaning. Focus on de-cluttering and making room for everyone. What else can I do ahead of time? Anyone have a list they use for these types of things? If you serve squash, you can cook it up ahead of time and freeze it. Same for pies and any other casseroles. You can put together pumpkin, apple pies and freeze. Defrost the day before and bake....all set.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 13:02:32 GMT -5
What about clothes? About this time of year, I do a holiday clothes check, to make sure the kids still have clothing that's appropriate and fits. If it's been awhile, I might look into getting a new shirt or something. I don't know how you all take pictures (smartphone vs camera). But, I'd check on the camera situation and make sure you have enough batteries, everything is in working order. How many kids will be there besides your own? Might you want to have some kid friendly activities set up especially if there will be older kids at the party. (When we get together with DH's cousins, the kids always play cards.) I know you mentioned deep cleaning, but will you decorate? If so, I would look through what you have and pick up anything you might want to add. Thanksgiving decorations won't be around for much longer. ETA: We have a recipe for make ahead mashed potatoes. You could do that this weekend as well. ETAA: Along the clothing line, I schedule hair cuts for the kids in another week or so. We take our kids to Penny's for Christmas pictures, and I usually schedule that for Thanksgiving weekend, since everyone else is out shopping/digesting/watching football. OK, I'll just keep adding here. Check paper goods. TP, paper towels, etc. I'd have extra on hand... And, I'd be sure to keep up on the family laundry. Table clothes, napkins, etc are going to be extra that you'll need to wash sooner than later after the meal. Do you mind sharing your mashed potato recipe? I remember you mentioning it awhile back and meant to ask you for it. Good ideas--especially on the clothes. I can usually throw together everything but look like a complete wreck myself by not leaving anytime for myself.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Nov 3, 2014 13:04:09 GMT -5
What about clothes? About this time of year, I do a holiday clothes check, to make sure the kids still have clothing that's appropriate and fits. If it's been awhile, I might look into getting a new shirt or something. I don't know how you all take pictures (smartphone vs camera). But, I'd check on the camera situation and make sure you have enough batteries, everything is in working order. How many kids will be there besides your own? Might you want to have some kid friendly activities set up especially if there will be older kids at the party. (When we get together with DH's cousins, the kids always play cards.) I know you mentioned deep cleaning, but will you decorate? If so, I would look through what you have and pick up anything you might want to add. Thanksgiving decorations won't be around for much longer. ETA: We have a recipe for make ahead mashed potatoes. You could do that this weekend as well. ETAA: Along the clothing line, I schedule hair cuts for the kids in another week or so. We take our kids to Penny's for Christmas pictures, and I usually schedule that for Thanksgiving weekend, since everyone else is out shopping/digesting/watching football. OK, I'll just keep adding here. Check paper goods. TP, paper towels, etc. I'd have extra on hand... And, I'd be sure to keep up on the family laundry. Table clothes, napkins, etc are going to be extra that you'll need to wash sooner than later after the meal. Do you mind sharing your mashed potato recipe? I remember you mentioning it awhile back and meant to ask you for it. Good ideas--especially on the clothes. I can usually throw together everything but look like a complete wreck myself by not leaving anytime for myself. If I don't do it tonight, send me a PM.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 13:07:45 GMT -5
You can pre make the pumpkin and/or apple pie fillings and freeze them. (assuming you are making ALL the dishes, or will you be out-sourcing desserts, starters, etc?) Thaw 2 days before baking. Bake 1 day before T day (IME). Plan appetizers and snacks for before the meal? It's hard to say much more without knowing the menu. Everyone will bring a dish. I can pretty much guarantee that desserts will be covered. I'll want to make sure that I have/prep myself: Turkey, Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, booze/drinks, and the relish tray. I know 2 people will bring sweet potatoes, one will do green bean casserole , rolls/bread will be covered... I need to work on a list so that when people ask what we need I have suggestions ready.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 13:08:43 GMT -5
30 people! I'd be adding "get the wine" to the list because I'd be doing a lot of drinking before hand. How the heck did I forget the wine!!! There will definitely be wine!
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 13:09:40 GMT -5
Make things ahead on the weekends leading up and freeze them. Frozen salads, deserts, cheese spread/dip for appetizers. When I was pregnant with DD, I started November 1 and each weekend, I would make something that went in the freezer. (I also made double, so all the side dishes were the same for Christmas - remember I was due Dec 31 and didn't know if I was going early or late and didn't want to be stuck hosting, even for 6 with no food). What kinds of salads do you freeze?
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Peace Of Mind
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Nov 3, 2014 13:11:11 GMT -5
Once you have your menu and recipes set make a list of all ingredient needed, including drinks. Then make a list of everything you have and a list of everything you need to buy. Then make a list of what you can buy now versus what have to buy later. make a schedule of when you will buy that stuff. Make a schedule of the week before Thanksgiving. What will be made on what day. Make a detailed schedule of Thanksgiving day, what will be made and when, including last minute needs for recipes that were mostly done ahead of time. Make a schedule for the oven about what can go in and when, considering what temps things cook at and how long things can sit out. make a list of all serving pieces needed and what will go in them. My wife likes to set the table a few days ahead of time and put a sticky on all of the serving pieces and what will go in it. That way people can help put things in the right pieces on T-day. But I would add: Make a list of your destination and hotel you will be staying at. If 30 people were coming to my house for Thanksgiving I'd have to leave.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Nov 3, 2014 13:27:27 GMT -5
How are you storing the beverages? I usually wind up with 2 coolers one with kid's drinks (soda/water) and then another with the Beer/wine. How will you be keeping track of the bottle openers?
What about extra trash bins (for the recycle-ables for example?)
What about checking your extra tables and tableclothes/napkins?
Do you need to move any furniture (put stuff away) to make room for everyone?
What about glassware/silverware (maybe that's under China)?
What about where the coats/hats/boots will go?
What about any pets you have (my cats get to stay in a bedroom with their box, food and water for the day). Who's in charge of wrangling the pets?
Have you divvy'd up some of the responsibilities? Like who's in charge of making sure the drinks are cold, the trash goes out, etc...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 13:27:49 GMT -5
You can pre make the pumpkin and/or apple pie fillings and freeze them. (assuming you are making ALL the dishes, or will you be out-sourcing desserts, starters, etc?) Thaw 2 days before baking. Bake 1 day before T day (IME). Plan appetizers and snacks for before the meal? It's hard to say much more without knowing the menu. Everyone will bring a dish. I can pretty much guarantee that desserts will be covered. I'll want to make sure that I have/prep myself: Turkey, Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, booze/drinks, and the relish tray. I know 2 people will bring sweet potatoes, one will do green bean casserole , rolls/bread will be covered... I need to work on a list so that when people ask what we need I have suggestions ready. I was going to suggest asking for help, our Thanksgiving is typically 40-50 people, but it's a pot luck, so there is so much food it's crazy. My aunt and mom (who host), just worry about the turkey, stuffing, potatoes and dinner rolls.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Nov 3, 2014 13:28:17 GMT -5
I'm now officially counting down the days until we show up on Thanksgiving Day at the ticket booth to visit our "Uncle Walt in Anaheim" (aka, Disneyland!! )
It's our family tradition. We have a big turkey dinner the next day when all the crazies are out stalking each other at the malls
I would add: can you set the table a day (or two) early?
And: how much of your list can you delegate/get some help?
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Nov 3, 2014 13:34:49 GMT -5
Make a list of things people can bring if they ask what to bring. I like to bring raw veggie platter, mom always liked to bring pickles and olives, sometimes I am asked to bring chex party mix or deviled eggs, SIL makes the meal usually or her daughter so one of them makes the pies and dinner rolls.
Since you are making ham ask someone to bring potato salad and make sure you have dinner rolls and mustard. Ask someone else to make a tossed salad or fruit salad and some dishes for snacking before and after. Our family has everyone bring something to save the host some work and money. Even non cooks can bring chips, beverages and dips.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 13:40:35 GMT -5
Where are they all sitting? At our Thanksgiving we set up tables in the basement ahead of time. Everyone serves themselves buffet style upstairs in the kitchen/dining area and then go downstairs to eat. That seems to work pretty well. Family style with all the food on the table would be harder with a crowd.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Nov 3, 2014 13:41:11 GMT -5
Can you "draft" any of your company (or their kids) to come over & help you clean house before the big event?
You are one brave woman!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 13:44:29 GMT -5
how do you get food for that people out at the same time and keep it hot?
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Nov 3, 2014 13:48:25 GMT -5
Make things ahead on the weekends leading up and freeze them. Frozen salads, deserts, cheese spread/dip for appetizers. When I was pregnant with DD, I started November 1 and each weekend, I would make something that went in the freezer. (I also made double, so all the side dishes were the same for Christmas - remember I was due Dec 31 and didn't know if I was going early or late and didn't want to be stuck hosting, even for 6 with no food). What kinds of salads do you freeze? Frozen fruit salads. We have a family recipe for a frozen cranberry salad (that my grandma still makes, about the only thing she still "cooks") and a frozen strawberry salad. Ben calls that one "ice cream".
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 13:48:32 GMT -5
my suggestion is ordering a meal from the supermarket. I did that last year. You still have to cook everything.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 13:50:02 GMT -5
my suggestion is ordering a meal from the supermarket. I did that last year. You still have to cook everything. the ones I've seen come fully cooked and you just heat it up.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Nov 3, 2014 13:50:07 GMT -5
how do you get food for that people out at the same time and keep it hot? Lots and lots of crockpots.
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