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.

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

So NOT destined to become a sig-line of mine.

Deb, I know you enjoy hosting, I am merely concerned that you'll exhaust yourself so much that the weekend will be a blur to you. When we host parties at the house, we always seem to be the ones who got the least from the event because we were so busy running it. I'd hate that to happen to you for the full four days. The amount of work you've put into this should be rewarded with basking in more than just the afterglow of the event.

Did that make sense? Hmm, more coffee...

Heh. Perfect sense, Pete, and trust me, I know and agree.

Not to worry. I get a lot of the big "oooOOOOOH!" factor from being around the people. And anyway, I'm getting a metric fuckload of help in the prep. Everyone is just thoroughly rocking.

I'll dig it. No worries.

How many people are planning on going to the Aquarium on Monday?

I was just looking at ticket prices, and while it is possible to get a group rate that saves a couple of dollars per person, you have to have at least 20 people, and I don't think we have that many, do we?

Me, for one. I'll check with the Larry-shaped dude and see if he's interested, I know it's one of his favorite places to visit.