Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Graduation Open House: Menu and Updated To Do List

Image via weheartit
As I mentioned in this post, we are having our family and friends over to celebrate J's graduation from law school this Thursday night.  With family beginning to arrive tomorrow afternoon, we are in full planning mode.  For example, I spent part of my lunch break today scrubbing out our microwave and refrigerator and left our stove plates soaking in the sink to also be scrubbed down later this afternoon, thereby allowing me to cross off a few more things off my to do list before guests arrive and before we go out to dinner to celebrate this lovely's birthday.

Clean out kitchen pantry
Clean out and wipe down the refrigerator
Clean microwave inside and out
Clean stove
Clean and pare down closets--two in the hallway and one in the office/guest room
Reupholster our dining room chairs with fabric I've had since January!
Reorganize bookshelves and dining room hutch
Clean all surfaces including baseboards: spot cleaning of apartment needed week of graduation
Wash slipcover on couch
Replace slipcover on couch
Clean out car
Plan menu
Set up bar
Shop for menu and bar--my dear friend Ashlee has said she will help with this!

As you can see, I've also decided on a menu and a theme for said menu, one I'd like to share with you here.  The theme is a taste of St. Louis, featuring foods (and drinks) that either originated here or that St. Louis made famous.  Here is what we will be serving:

Toasted Ravioli
St. Louis Style BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Penne with Vodka Sauce, inspired by St. Louis' Italian neighborhood, The Hill
St. Louis Style Pizza--we will be leaving off provel cheese because I find it unappetizing!  For those of you who have been lucky enough never to try the stuff, it is a processed cheese made out of a combination of Swiss, Velveeta and provolone cheeses.
Gooey Butter Cake, a St. Louis classic
Frozen Custard from Whistle Stop in Ferguson, not solely a St. Louis frozen treat but it is popular here!
Anheuser Busch beverages, a St. Louis staple

I might not get everything (like upholstering the chairs and reorganizing our shelves) before my mom arrives tomorrow but considering everything we've had going on, I think we did pretty good!  And who knows, maybe my mom will want to tackle a reupholstering project with me tomorrow afternoon :)

What hometown favorite would you serve at a party like this?  If it were my hometown's menu, I'd make sure there was some In-n-Out and California rolls on it!

18 comments:

  1. oh my gosh what a decadent and delicious menu! hope everything goes well! and if not i'm sure it will be lovely and no one will notice! :)

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  2. Should I overnight fedex in-n-out? Heheh :)

    Wow KT, ambitious project list - but looks like you've knocked down plenty of them already. I cannot wait to see the newly upholstered chairs - you are going to do it yourself? YAY KT!! You're a super woman!

    Tacos or nachos are always a crowd pleaser. And Indonesian fried rice with extra eggs is my specialty :)

    Good luck! I'm sure it will be a blast!!

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  3. MMmmm, that menu looks amazing! Isn't it amazing the lengths we go to clean for company? Sometimes I throw parties because I'm not motivated to clean :)

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  4. Sounds like it will be a great party! I love how you themed the food. :)

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  5. Yum. Sounds like a great spread!

    www.birdietobe.blogspot.com

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  6. I love the St. Louis themed menu! Though I think you should serve Schlafly instead of or with AB :) Or any of the other local breweries!

    Good luck getting everything done! :)

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  7. What a splendid menu! I have been cleaning every nook and cranny of my home, organizing, tossing and rearranging since I my job ended. When I run out of house to clean then I'll know I should be looking for another job was my thought but now a job has come looking for me... post to follow!!

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  8. *offers up to do list* here do mine next! <3 ;)

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  9. Sorry your good friend Ashlee blows and has to pack up her life these next few days. I would rather be helping you any day! Good luck, friend.

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  10. That sounds SOO good... what a great menu! For my hometown food it would be tri tip sandwiches all the way!

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  11. I am so impressed! You are getting so much done and your menu sounds totally awesome!!

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  12. Oh...love the menu...can I come??

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  13. That menu sounds absolute divine!!! Yum!!

    xo

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  14. oh my gosh! I didn't even know you had a blog! I'm trying to go back and read older entries and I'm really enjoying it!!! Glad married life is treating you so well!

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  15. That menu sounds amazing! What are toasted ravioli and will you post the recipe, please?!?!

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  16. You're making progress on that to do list!!! And that menu sounds good! I'd LOVE To try making toasted raviloli! That sounds amazing!

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  17. What a great menu! We had BBQ catered for Spencer's graduation from pharmacy school. You just can't go wrong with BBQ, everybody loves it! :)
    Good luck with your to-do list and remember to enjoy yourself and have fun!!

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  18. omg toasted ravioli sounds like divinity! dee-lish :-)

    –Lorena
    TravelDesignery.com
    .

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