<p>Ah, just read your post, Aj. You’re making lots of good progress! The grad student center sounds perfect, and yes, I think you’ll get more than 40 people. A bunch will bring their sig others, spouses, kids maybe. Some will bring their parents visiting from Michigan, or wherever. You might get a prof or a TA or an administrative person. Just to be on the safe side, the big room is a good idea. </p>
<p>I like the brunch idea, too. People tend to show up for brunches and luncheons. Lots of food choices, and it’s easier to provide for vegetarian and special dietary requests. My style is to throw something on the table and expect people to appreciate it, whatever it is. Pizza and Red Bull --eat it or starve! But, if you are so inclined, you can cater to the food wimps. :::hey, hey, don’t flame me!::: </p>
<p>Actually, I really do try to accomodate different food tastes when I’m throwing a party. If any of your law school pals know how to cook, you guys could try making a tray of sushi. The ingreds aren’t that expensive, and you can serve a lot of guests. You can make veggie versions, and it’s fun! If my freshmen and sophomore Girl Scouts could make sushi, you guys can, too. Just a thought.</p>
<p>You must invite MORE than 40 to get 40 attendees. My guess would be 55 to 60 invites will result in 40 guests. If you want to be sure you have 40, invite 70. Some people will not be able to come.</p>
<p>Here are a few rules about RSVPs:</p>
<p>Be sure to send out invites with two weeks advance notice.</p>
<p>Give phone number with answering machine–plus email–for responses.</p>
<p>Call the non-responders a week to five days before the event. You will be making 15 to 20 calls. That’s just part of the party giver’s lot. Don’t be bothered.</p>
<p>Be prepared for a few slackers to cancel on the day or pretend like they never opened the invite. Try not to be bothered.</p>
<p>Brooke Astor used to say that she had a job at a party–she considered it her job to entertain the person on her left and the person on her right. Too bad not all party goers have Booke’s savvy! Do invite funny gregarious types–one out of every 4? They will help you carry the event.</p>
<p>Cheers is right about the numbers. And if you are doing a buffet, you should definitely underestimate the # of people when you give them your “numbers” for the cost. You’ll have plenty of food-- don’t worry. And they usually make about 20% overage anyway.</p>
<p>By the way, what do I get for suggesting the brunch? A bagel with schmear?</p>
:::hey, hey, don’t flame me!::: </p>
Just a thought.</p>