Help with a "Welcome Home" party?

My hubby is coming home from Afghanistan on the 14 May 07. He has to go to Fort Drum, New York before he can come back to Alabama. I am throwing him a surprise party when he gets to Alabama but what am I missing? Here is what I got so far:


Balloons, garland, plates, cups, napkins, American flags, chips, pretzels, frozen meats (chicken, steaks, ribs, etc.), grill, stereo, tablecloths, sparkle candles, can drinks, cake mixes and icing for the cake and cupcakes, those decoration things that you put on cakes and cupcakes, roasting pans and covers or the meat to go in, plastic utensils, lots of decorations that can be put in the ground (red, white, and blue flowers, flag pinwheels, etc.), I am going to invite the people later since I don't know the exact day he will be here, bags of ice I will buy closer to party, and that's all I have. I want this to be HUGE! He is gettting out of the Army on medical discharge and I want this to be the best for him. What else can I get? More foods? What?

Help with a "Welcome Home" party?
If you haven't already, you should go ahead and tell everyone who you want to be there about your tentative plans - - even though you don't know exactly when your husband's coming home, tell them when you think it might be, just so they'll be sure not to make other plans.





Is there anything that your husband has mentioned he has really missed while he was away? Maybe a favorite candy or food or drink? It would be cool to have a big display of that -- a pyramid of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or something like that. :-)





Does your husband have a favorite hobby or pass time that he's looking forward to? Maybe you could have his friends bring something to the party related to that. I can't reallly think of anything, but maybe something like - if he loves baseball, have his favorite team's schedule printed up or have guests bring baseball cards -- stuff like that.





Is the party outside? You could hang an old sheet on a clothesline or side of a building and have everyone write "welcome home" messages with fabric markers.





How about games? Do your friends play "bag-o" or horsehoes or cards or anything like that?





If you can, be sure to involve your friends and family in pulling this off. I think a party's a lot more fun when you're sharing the planning. If you know someone who makes the world's greatest potato salad, ask her to bring a bowl - that kind of thing. It makes people feel good to be asked, and it helps you cross a few things off of your "to do" list!





Good luck with your party - - I know it's going to be great!





Melanie
Reply:what about chips, or brownies or cookies, or jucie.





But those are just some ideas





Congrates on him comming home. my brother is in the service but he is still in high school. It makes me sad. He could have done anything to.
Reply:Cut up fruit


Cut up veggies


tossed salad


Potato salad





Buy these at Sam's or the PX in quantity. You're already way ahead of the game.





Now then, What's more important is after wards. Be sure to have a bottle of the best champagne you can find, a pretty negligee, and send the kids to Grandma's.














Welcome home big guy - and know we're proud of you! Thanks!
Reply:How about stopping by a print shop and ordering a banner? Will you have enough fridge/freezer space for drinks and food? Then you can pick up some cheap coolers. Maybe get the carpets cleaned? Do you have enough table space and chairs?





Just some thoughts.
Reply:why not a gift to let him know how much you love him and miss him
Reply:Just friends and a good time. He is finally home that will be the best part.





Good Luck and Best Wishes to you and your family.





Tell him Thanks for all the work he has done.