Sounds great kswl! I never heard of an Irish Mule.. I'll have to give it a try. It sounds quite refreshing -- and I have a bottle of jamesons here! Do you serve them in copper cups like the Moscow Mules?

I've been thinking about hosting a mother's day brunch menu too-- I am not sure I am ready to host an event at this house yet but I just love to do brunch parties!

I wanted to add that I love the idea of having one drink made "on demand". The ritual of drink making is fun and entertaining-- especially if your son can do it!
Also glad to hear that you are using a caterer for some of the dishes. That takes a lot of worry (and potentially work) away from you!
It's going to be a splendid party! I hope you'll share photos of the setup and your first event in the new space!

Lol, thank you funky--- we have had several do's in the new space since last summer, although most were indoors. We are wearing this space out!

In a world where I have unlimited copper mugs for mules, the drink would be served in them :-( instead, we are using those clear plastic glasses (with the kind of swirled design) and matching plates for food. Beer drinkers can use a bottle or a glass (plastic glass) and wine will be served in the same type clear plastic--- trying to keep it simple as possible, one glass does it all. Son is a fabulous bartender--- he took a course while in college on summer break, he is very personable and of course we would just love to see him.......age 31.... we don't see him nearly as often as we'd like!

I'm having a bit of "event creep" (Sueb20, your concept keeps morphing) with the planning and now have handy guy coming down for a,couple of days to hang lights over the patio and possibly make pennant streamers from the fab English pub coasters I found. Certainly will share pictures!

LOL.. didnt really think through the number of copper mugs that would be required for your event .. but honestly, I was selfishly focused on my own indulgence in the cocktail! I have a large number of inexpensive stemless wine glasses that I can use for small gatherings but I'd most certainly use plastic for anything outdoors. I did once use glass wine glasses for a large outdoor event (purchased very inexpensively at ikea) but I loathed washing them all!

Hanging lights are so worth the effort and can't wait to see what you do with the pub coasters!

Not sure why I thought this was the first event in the redone patio/downstairs space --- but no matter, I am still looking forward to the post-event stories and photos!

Your enjoyment shines through your posts! It's so nice to have a beautiful venue to host events and friends, and so much fun to see to all of the little details. I am sure it will be a fabulous event (s). Without even necessarily recognizing all of the special touches that make these things so special, everyone enjoys them anyway. It's a wonderful way to share one's home!

I wish I were crafty and could think of some fun use for the coasters as now I can't get holes in them with our hole punch! If you think of anything......

However, have ordered a couple of strings of pennants in differing tartan plaids from an etsy shop and looking forward to doing something with those as well.

True, mtn, there are a few who do notice but it all contributes to the party ether :-)

When DH and I bought our previous house (bigger and more traditional than this one) my FIL took me aside and said it was now time for us to get on the rotation of family members whose homes were large enough to host the 50 or so relatives who were regulars at Thanksgiving, Christmas, grad parties, etc. We did so gladly, for what he and others considered a duty I considered a joy. We have offered our house for fundraisers and other parties when no one else wanted to go to the trouble because we love having people over. I enjoyed entertaining even when we lived in a cramped apt in NYC, and with a larger house it is a breeze!

kswl, did you see the pennants someone made for a baby shower over on the decorating side? They were just copied from children's book covers, cut into long triangles & were so cute. Maybe you could try enlarging one of the coasters and make a pennant out of it on heavy paper. Sounds like you have all the big things together. It will be spectacular I'm sure.

Yes, I actually asked the OP where she bought them. I would love to be that single minded, but after I couldn't think of a good way to use the coasters (except as coasters, lol) I ordered the tartan fabric pennant from an etsy seller in the UK....pennant wish fulfillment :-) Also ordered a few strings of those outdoor vintage looking lights with Edison bulbs, so patio will certainly be festive!

I lost track of the progress, but it sounds like a great party. Do you have your insurance covered for this event? You might want to talk to your agent about it.

You are an entertaining machine! I hope you will post some photos. Your guests are very fortunate; it sounds like it's going to be a wonderful party.

Maybe you could hot glue the coasters to the plaid pennants? Or glue them to wide ribbons and use them as runners on the tables?

I am just loling! Your party sounds just like something my sister and I do. And we are into it for $$$$$$$$$$$$$, but have a great time! And no detail left to chance! We do it at least once a year. My husband knows to stand back.

An entertaining machine, lol, must remember to tell that to DD, she will enjoy it and agree! JLC, I am honored you think I even own a hot glue gun. I am not crafty; my special talent is finding people who are crafty!

Maddie, that sounds.....familiar :-)

Mtn hit the nail on the head! I am so impressed with your outstanding entertaining skills. I sure wish mine were a percentage as good as yours. You are indeed hostess with the mostest!

the Irish Mule sounds intriguing . . .

We are now well over 100 and at least ten additional people I know are coming because they told me but have not officially rsvp'd.

Now looking into having people park at our office five minutes away and ferrying them back in a van if the pasture is too wet for parking.