The part with the brain is saying, bitch, neither you nor anyone else wants to spend that weekend washing dishes. Chinet paper plates and disposable cutlery/plastic glasses, all the way.

This is the way to go Deb. If we can't deal with drinking from plastic (which I totally understand) we can bring a glass from our rooms to sip from. Although they always use the plastic wine glasses when we have our monthly wine and jazz thing here and they are fun.

Laura, yep. Maybe I'll compromise and hit Costco for those snap together plastic wineglasses.

I'm thinking I'll post the final Prom catering menu suggestion up tomorrow morning, and give people a day or two to yea or nay before I pass it on ti Lilibeth. That work for people?

Sure. I can hook up electronics. No problem.

Actually, I think I might need some assistance in finding a good tattoo parlor, if possible.

All over that. I can't think of any of my friends here who don't have a tattoo. Also, I'll be getting one.

I think plastic plates and cutlery is the way to go Deb. Despite the prom title it's not really a formal party - clothes will range from tuxes and evening gowns to fetish wear depending on what everyone wants to show off. Anything that makes for less work and fuss on your end should be of the good.

Despite the prom title it's not really a formal party - clothes will range from tuxes and evening gowns to fetish wear depending on what everyone wants to show off.

No, no, I know - the prom is a totally different deal, and that's all the hotel's gear, not mine.

I'm talking about the four-day run of the Hospitality suite. We - the locals - are providing a hopefully steady stream of food and drink, so that people can wander in, pour a glass of wine, and pull a salad or charcuterie tray or something out of the fridge, flop, munch, and hang out.

In all of this, Deb, I do hope you can find time to actually relax and enjoy F2F.

What Pete said. For he is wise. And also cute and fluffy manly. Yes. And intimidating. Grr.

Pete, I like giving large parties. It's going to be an interesting week all the way around, though, because the preceding weekend, the Horror Writers of America (Peter Straub! Toastmaster! EEEEEEEE!) has their annual convention, and it's here in town. And since I'm a member of the womens' arm of it - Persephone - I'm not only hosting a party, I'm also doing the Persephone panels and whatnots.

That ends on Monday night. Ours, realistically, begins Thursday afternoon, and IIRC, I'm getting Fay at the airport on Wednesday.

Reminds me, Fay, make sure you email me with your flights.

I haven't said anything yet because god only knows what state the house construction will be at by that point, but if there's not too much construction mess and I am not rushed into the midst of looking for housemates, I could have room for a couple childless non-smoker Buffista floor crashers here in Berkeley. I own one twin aerobed for guests. No sofa yet, though. I'm 7 block walk from BART. So while it's not easy as pie, it's not difficult as hell to get to the city.