Mother's Night Out - Evening Garden Party

November 30, 2013

Mother's Night Out - Evening Garden Party

If you follow this blog, you know I love to garden in my square foot garden. When an opportunity arose to have a party there, I jumped at it. I could combine two things I love! Our sweet friends were making a missionary trip to Haiti and I wanted to help her and her son raise money for the trip. We had three vendors inside the house selling a variety of items and giving a portion toward the trip. It was a Mother's Night Out, so kids were not allowed.

I served some light snacks and coffee/tea. It all turned out so well and we were able to give her a nice offering for the trip to Haiti. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

When having an adult party, I used to question whether I should serve alcohol or not. It seems that it is almost expected at a Mother's Night Out that some sort of alcohol will be offered. Let me speak to this a minute. I once had a conversation with my wise friend Shannon who told me something I never forgot. She said "You never know the private struggles that others have." Serving alcohol at a party may tempt someone in an area they are struggling in. Why would I want to cause a friend to stumble? When you are having a large party with mixed company (people you don't really know well, guests bringing their friends...) or if you will have people from the ministry (pastors, pastor's wives, people in leadership in the church or homeschool organization or other religious organization), it is a generally best NOT to serve alcohol. Also, don't question your hostess's judgment on this. She knows her guests and knows whether it is appropriate or not to serve alcohol.

Now personally, I don't have a problem with alcoholic beverages. I consume them very rarely and usually on a special occasion like New Year's Eve or on an anniversary. Sometimes I will have a beer while I watch a football game. The way the Texans are playing lately, it helps! My husband and I laugh because we buy a 6-pack of beer and then it sits in our fridge for a month. I usually end up making beer bread out of it just to get it out of the fridge!

Here are some pretty pictures from the evening. Thanks to my knowledgeable friend Melissa who helped me fine tune the menu!

Miss Becky's Carrot Cake, cheesecake bites & chocolate candy

corn chowder and bread. At the 99 cent store, I found some great
footed clear cups to serve just the right portion of chowder in.
See them to the right of the crock pot.