Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

Logan's 1st bday party is a Sunday in August from 12noon-4pm outdoors at a park, not someone's home.

We're doing heroes, salads, a few hot dishes, nuggets/fries for the kids, etc. in addition to bday cake and cookies, soda, water, beer, sangria, etc.

Dessert will likely be around 3:15pm.

IYO, do we need to have coffee pots set up with the cake/cookies? (remember - 3pm on a hot afternoon in August, outdoors.)

We're looking at 60+ adults, so DD box o joe won't really cut it (although there's a DD realllly close) - we'd need a whole pot setup. We'll have a variety of milk, only expecting about 10 kids.

We're disagreeing over here, and i would just like to add your opinions. Thanks!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I think people do like coffee and tea, lots of people even drink it in hot weather!!!

When I did my kids first birthday we didn't do hot beverages, and we had to send someone out to get some tea bags and instant coffee. Why not get a cardboard thingy of coffee from DD?

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

my mil bought her big urn (50 cups) to DD's christening and I think 5 people had cups.

we weren't going to make it, but just did half a pot if anyone wanted it.

so while it may be a pain, I'd have it on hand.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I don't think coffee is necessary at an outdoor party in a park.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would not want, nor expect coffee @ a summer party in the park, but if it makes you feel better, do the DD Box...I know you said 60+ adults, but not everyone will drink it. Like a PP said, only 5 had coffee @ her event. And if DD is close by and you happen to run out, someone could always go get some more.

Maybe you could even do iced coffee??

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would never expect coffee at a park!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would not expect coffee, but if I was having a big party with my family I would definitely have it.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

No, you dont need it.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I can't remember ever being served hot coffee during a summer outdoor party. then again, maybe I was just looking for ice cold drinks. the last thing I'd want on a day like today is hot coffee!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I 100%, absolutely think you need to serve coffee and tea. It doesn't matter what the time or how hot it is everyone I know wants coffee with their dessert. For like $25 you can buy a huge coffee urn and whip up a huge amount of coffee. I think people would be annoyed to not be offered coffee and tea.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

At a park I wouldn't expect it. If your family are big coffee drinkers like mine then I would get a box from DD otherwise not necessary.

I still can't get over that Logan is turning one!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

FYI, I have gotten a box of joe from DD in the morning at work at it was still warm come noon. I would pick up two boxes of joe on the way to the party and just have it there.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I think it depends on your crowd. I know if it were DH's family, they would need to be served coffee. If it were only MY friends and family I don't think I would bother. You know your guests, do they usually drink coffee? I don't think buying a box or two from DD would hurt though.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

yes, definitely although I do not drink coffee

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I say skip it!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I think for a kids party it's acceptable to not serve coffee.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would say yes for home or restaurant but I don't think it's necessary outdoors at a park.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would serve ice coffee. You can make the coffee in advance, throw it in the cooler along with the milk and ice cubes for drinks. If people NEED a coffee drink they'll drink it hot or cold. I went to a graduation party in 95 degree weather outdoors and had a cup of hot coffee. I luv coffee but it was just too much heat going on all around. I think for the weather and location this way would be best for you. OR you can have someon do a DD run and get a box or two of their coffee.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

Because this is an outdoors party in a park, I would not expect coffee and/or tea at dessert time. I think the adults can survive without their cup of joe and drink water/soda/milk instead. Don't give yourself any more work than you already have!

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

OKAY....i'm not a cofee drinker and this was a good one to ask DH whom is a coffee drinker.
We both were talking about it and I dont like coffee or tea. DH said he would not expect coffee nor would he want it..BUT if offered he would take it. Just thought I would share Depending on heat in august at that time..and outdoors I wouldnt even ask. your doing so much already...I dont think people would walk away upset..they can still have coffee later..direct them to the DD that is close by

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

Could you just get that Box of Joe from Dunkin Donuts. I'm not really a coffee drinker but I know people in my family would be looking for it and probably making a Dunkin Donuts run if I didn't have it.

ETA- Didn't see that was an option. And I wouldn't bother with tea.

Message edited 7/5/2010 8:34:12 AM.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I wouldn't expect coffee at a party in a park, but then again I don't drink coffee.

Re: Party opinion, please: do i need to serve coffee?

I would get a box of joe. I personally would never expect it in a park in the summer, but I know some of my older relatives would.