When everyone wants to bring a dish... (warning: involves mission "parties")

[Backroads]

So this Sunday my baby girl is FINALLY getting blessed (Husband spent the summer doing military training and we never got around to getting her blessed before he left). I found a darling "big girl" blessing dress (as opposed to those lovely newborn dresses that are long and flowing but just don't seem to work for an older baby) and in order to save headaches, are having her blessed this Sunday at the same time as my sister's missionary farewell talk.

As the mission farewell as planned first, my parents already have quite a luncheon for after church planned. They are in huge favor of having the blessing the same day.

Except... my in-laws who are coming primarily for the blessing want to bring a dish.

When do you just have too much food? I believe in being overprepared for these things, but I also don't want to make anyone feel obligated to bring something, nor snub their offer to bring something.

[pam]

Let them bring something. Even if too much food. It will let them feel a part of the celebration. This shouldn't be a big deal.

[Backroads]

Thanks. I think I just need some affirmation on that.

[Wingnut]

Yeah, I'm with Pam...I guess I just don't see what the problem is, unless your parents are hosting a catered event, and a homemade dish would be tacky, awkward, and out of place.

[Guest]

Better too much than too little. (Probably a phrase I ought to stop taking so much to heart.)

[applepansy]

I'm in favor of letting people do what they want in these situations. :)

[classylady]

Go ahead and have them bring a dish. They probably want to feel like they are helping out.

[beefche]

If it's a dish you really like, then tell them to bring it directly to you and you'll make sure it is taken care of. Then grab your utensil of choice and dig in.

[Irishcolleen]

Just get some ziploc bags or disposable containers and have people take left overs home. This is standard practice at our large family get-togethers as well as with church fellowships. It can work out pretty nice. For instance, we had a pie social after church on Sunday night. I brought a key lime pie. There was a lot of pie left over, so we divided it up and we brought home a few slices of coconut cream and chocolate. Its part of the fun.