Monday, January 28, 2008

What didn't work

Someone asked what didn't work during my stab at volunteer catering:
  • Buying these $4 lilies the day before. Just now they're opening to their full gorgeous bloom.
  • Forgetting to place parchment beneath the hot biscuits. The bottom layer fused to the platter as they cooled.
  • Making two separate deliveries. With smarter planning, I could have loaded box lunch baskets in a bridesmaid's car while picking up the breakfast.

Live and learn!

12 comments:

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

I have enjoyed reading all about it. So, what's next?

Anonymous said...

Well, those seem like pretty minor things. The parchment paper lining is a good idea for all us to file away.

Looking forward to seeing what this week brings for you! You probably have some cute valentine ideas up your sleeve!

The Stepford Stepmom said...

Hindsight is always 20/20. They seem like relatively minor things, so just count it as a learning experience and enjoy what went perfectly over what didn't... Especially since I bet you'd be the only one who notices. :D

Anonymous said...

With everything you had going, I am sure those few very minor things do not matter at all. I am sure too that no one saw them but you. You always WANT perfect, but perfect is really in the eyes of the beholder. So to the bride, her mother, and their friends I am sure it was perfect. Please do not judge yourself too harsh.
Your table setting was beautiful. The flowers were beautiful. I am sure the bride was beautiful. You did your best. I am sure it was near perfect. Roxie

Laura said...

Thanks for sharing not only what worked, but also what didn't. How nice to let us learn from you.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog, and have added it to my blogroll! Looking forward to reading and sharing.

Anonymous said...

That's a pretty short list for such a big undertaking. Hope you got lots of pats on the back. I'm impressed.

Anonymous said...

A tip about the lilies. The next time you buy them and need them to open. Soak the stems up to the flower in hot to the touch water.
I do floral arrangements and this works.

Anonymous said...

Meredith, you are such a blessing and inspiration. The lily is gorgeous. Did you pick them up at Aldi? Here in Oz, I have bought beautiful roses at Aldi - 10 for $4.
My daughter is only 15, but we have already discussed and agreed, No M&Ms at her wedding...(whenever that will be!)

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said...

Wow, not bad that those were the main things that didn't work! I'm sure if I had attempted something like this my list would have started with things like, "Forgot half of the food at home..."

Thank you for sharing this project with us!

Heather Anne said...

I wonder if it isn't a blessing that the lilies were closed since you might not have had time to remove all of the pollen laden stigmas - the pollen stains terribly. I was a florist once upon a time and we often forced the lilies open with hot water so that we could remove the stigmas - of course our fingers were yellow for days - especially for weddings ( stargazers were ever so popular) and Easter! The pollen makes a lovely brown dye, if you ever have a need for it!

Anonymous said...

Re: the lilies....I understand a gentle breeze from a blow-dryer also works (but I'm not sure how long it would take; I like the hot water idea better).