Question from my sister about hosting a "Maine Themed Party" (Presque Isle: to buy, live)

[Elcarim]

Apparently, my sisters aren't going to let us leave without throwing us a party. They've decided that even if they have to buy duct tape for a few naysayers, we are ALL getting together to "celebrate the fulfillment of our dream" before we leave Texas. The party is scheduled for 2/21, the Saturday before we leave. They're just planning on immediate family members from my family and from Brad's family, so we'll have about 18 people there.

So, my sisters, being the perfect hostesses, can't just throw some food on a plate and call it a party. We must have a theme. And what else would do? They are asking for a good menu for a Maine themed party.

I told them I'll ask the experts!

[peachie_in_maine]

hummmm...
I was thinking, flannel, white or green fir tree as decorations.
The menu is open.. maybe like baked beans and mac cheese cassarole.
Moose burgers & Presque Isle Potato wedges.
Maine Blueberry pie or Whoopie Pies.

[BacktoNE]

Do they have to stick to a budget?? lolol I'm thinking lobster
More realistic would be New England clam chowder and homemade biscuits.

Decor items could be tough. I've only been to TX once, but don't recall seeing much that would also be found in Maine, ie., balsam and pine boughs or shells and driftwood.

Anything with Maine blueberries, and definitely Whoopie Pies!

[starwalker]

SNOW!! Lots of it! for the decor that is... LOL

[msina]

What nice sisters. Perhaps chowder and biscuts, hotdogs and beans? Fake snow sprinkled on the table, and some pine boughs. Cheap and easy.

[tcrackly]

I had a Maine themed barbeque once. We served beanhole beans, venison roast, clams, lobster, local strawberries, and homemade blueberry ice cream.
I still haven't topped that one.

[elston]

Depends on what is available and prices and what type of meal....

Ideas....

salad rolls: crab meat, egg, shrimp, and if available lobster but probably have to wait on that....
Maine Italian Sandwiches are famous and we claim to be their birthplace....so some rolls with a selection of ham and italian cold cuts and cheeses and sliced vegetables with olive oil and vinegar to dress it....would fit the theme

Lots of Humpty Dumpty Potato Chips to go with it..(they're wicked good) ..available from Maine Goodies..Snack Foods from Maine Goodies (http://www.mainegoodies.com/snackindex.shtml - broken link)

Also on Maine goodies they could get B&M Beans and the canned Brown Bread which could be served with hot dogs or fried ham slices. Better yet I just saw they have canned jacob cattle beans Atlantic brand http://www.mainegoodies.com/gourmet/canneddrybeans.shtml (broken link)! or someone could make American Chop Suey or Chinese Pie (China Maine) for a pot luck style casserole....kids love em.

I saw on Maine Goodies that they have Maine Salt Water Taffy in a nice box clearly labeled MAINE SALT WATER TAFFY....that could be your gift to all the kiddie.....

Clam Chowder is good even made with snows chopped clams....msina could give you a basic chowdah recipe....that is real easy to make.....

Most of all......bring plenty of good cheer and have a wonderful time.

For dessert anything with blueberries would be just perfect and about 90% of all the frozen and canned blueberries sold in the USA come from Maine...

Cold River Vodka is made in maine...but it is very pricey.....too pricey for most of us....but it is a thought.

[Elcarim]

Good grief! Y'all are making my mouth water!! I'm passing these notes along to Theresa as they come in. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.

[starwalker]

they should fly Elston down to do the catering! Elston, you must throw a heck of a party! <g>

[Acadianlion]

You'll need a case or two of Allen's coffee brandy.....