What a wonderful report! So glad you had an enjoyable evening!

And thanks for the Zep referral.

Sounds like a resounding success, and I know your DH loved it.

Glad the party was fun and that nothing was irreparably damaged.

I was wondering how it all went and so happy that you were more than satisfied. I hope you enjoyed yourself too.

yay! was it a surprise?

and so where did you get the zep stuff?

No it wasn't a surprise as I wanted his input on the guest list and a few other things. I think the overall experience was a bit of a surprise though - he loved it as I knew he would. I did enjoy myself but I was kind of on patrol keeping an eye on things and greeting people as they arrived between 5-7pm. DH was hanging out with people downstairs at what seemed to be somewhat of a piano bar.

Zep Advanced Oxy Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover - bought at a local home improvement store called Menards - like Home Depot but not a national chain. They quit making whatever I used before so I was looking for something else. Only one bottle left on the shelf so I thought it might be good. Checked the reviews on Amazon and they were very positive. The Amazon price was over $12 and the local store was about $4.99. I have used this on old stains that were on the carpet in our other house when we moved in. It says reapply if they don't come out. In that case I reapplied 3-4 times and did rub it a bit and even those came out. Not that much effort for something fresher. So far I've not seen anything reappear or any carpet discoloration but all my carpet is a light color.

Wonderful to hear that the party was such a success!

So glad it went so well.

Happy to hear it was a big success and you were happy with the catering.

It sounds like great fun. But do tell details about the caterers. You were concerned about when they should deliver, etc.... so how did all that work out? Were you happy with the service? What did you serve? Did you have hired help for the food and bar?

I wonder if I could have handled it as well as you! Congratulations on a job well done!

The catering - I had it delivered at 4:45 - party officially started at 5pm. They were gone before anyone arrived. I didn't serve anything hot - didn't want anything that would dry up or get soggy after four hours. Caterer said safe to eat for four hours. I had most of it on the table but a couple extra trays in the fridge. I had whole poached salmon (with the head & tail on), roast beef crostini, chicken satay, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit and artisan breads. I provided my own cold shrimp and some cheese garnished with grapes and assorted crackers along with DHs favorite giant cake from Costco. People said they loved the food and I do think it was very good. The place I got it from is an upscale local grocery chain that also does catering.

I had a couple friends including overnight guests who helped - no hired help. One of the other guests took over behind the bar which was fine and he was enjoying it. We were planning to serve beer and wine but the bar tending friend also mixed a few drinks. DH bought a quantity of alcoholic beverages reminiscent of a college party. We had a lot of leftover beer and wine as no one drinks as much as they did in college (fortunately).

DH is still talking about how great the party was which makes me happy.

Thanks for the details. We all give you a round of applause for pulling off a great party!