I would not say that to any more people.....and perhaps call those back who said they would bring "something"....and say you think it would be easier if you just did it all...
And unless it's a planned pot luck....you could be over run with salads or something.
Linda C

Personally, when I have a party, I like to handle the food myself. I know many people nowadays do accept offers for guests to bring food, but in my experience, in those cases the host usually asks what is going to be brought to help cut down on duplicates, etc..

You also have to remember many people have been taught to offer to bring something with the assumption the host may decline. So, many of your guests may really not want to bring things. I would decline offers and prepare the food yourself especially since the party is serving as a thank you type party too.

If a guest really wants to bring something, they will do so in the form of a hostess or housewarming gift.

Very close friends and relatives (like moms and sisters) are exempt from the rule, though, (at least in my book) and may even be asked to bring specific things -- LOL!

I'm always THRILLED if anyone asks to bring anything, since that's rare these days. :) Your party sounds like it will be very casual and laid back, so I wouldn't worry about how you handled it.

If I'm in a similar situation and someone were to offer to bring something, I tell them what I'm planning to have to eat and drink... then I tell them that if they prefer some other particular drink, bring that. It's easy for everyone that way -- and they always show up empty-handed because they realize that I have it all under control. :)

carla35, I'm on the exempt list too. lol!

For 25 years we have had a Christmas Eve open house from 6:30 to 10:30 P.M. It is an anticipated event usually attended by 125 of our closest friends. This is not a dinner of any sort but we always have a considerable spread of various snacks. Several people always bring offerings of their own but this is never a requirement, just something they want to do.

Well, tried backpeddling and of course they won't have it any other way. That's fine. I'm still making the same amount I planned on. Off to the recipe exchange for Devilled Eggs, haven't had them since I was a little girl.