Youth and Recreation Activity Resource Center
Activity and Resource Center
Banquets
“Whether you are eating or whether you are drinking, you are to do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
There was an atmosphere of expectancy. The fellowship hall had taken on certain glamour for the night. Such “sharp” decorations”! The tables were ready and looked inviting. Delicious odors stole from the kitchen.
“Will they come to the banquet?” The new department superintendent anxiously quizzed his wife. “All the committees have worked so hard! So much planning! So many people giving so much time! Think of the hours! Sixty-two signed up. Will they really come?” In a few minutes the superintendent found that his fears were unwarranted. The department came through with flying colors.
Yes they came!
Why? Because thirty-five individuals had been actively involved in the banquet planning process. There were seven committees of five members each. This meant that each of the five classes had a representative on the committees.
They had a job to do...
They received instructions . . .
They were allowed initiative...
They were trusted to follow through
.
As a result everybody had a good time, and many shared the feeling of justifiable pride in "Look what we did!"
This is a true story that happened, but the success of the banquet didn't just happen. Back of it were the "one, two, threes" of good banquet planning.
WHAT MAKES A BANQUET?
What makes a good banquet? Is it the food? Is it the place? Or is it the speaker? Maybe the people who sit near you and their friendly repartee make the difference. Whatever it is, you know when it's fun "to be at a banquet."
Dare we look at the other side? Not all banquets are like that. What made a particular banquet boring? Yes, one stands out in your thinking.
Enough of the negative------except to find out how to avoid a repeat performance!
BANQUETS ARE IMPORTANT
Good and bad, banquets rate high in popularity as a way to plan for people to gather socially. Who can resist the lure of tasty food and pleasant companionship? More than any other similar function, banquets seem to satisfy some deep instinct in man as a social being. Even the President of the United States plans a banquet when he wants to honor a visiting dignitary.
GETTING STARTED
Every banquet needs a chairman. You're it! Now you need a steering committee or general banquet committee to work with you. In some organizations this committee would be ready-made since certain officers are responsible for social activities. If you name a committee, choose individuals, who can help with the program, publicity, decorations, and food. It is from this group that you will probably get the chairmen of specific committees. (Responsibility for the food will vary if you have a church hostess.)
PURPOSE OF THE BANQUET
Call together the steering committee, without delay, to consider with you the purpose of the banquet. Often the nature of the banquet describes its purpose, such as an installation banquet, anniversary banquet, or a banquet to honor someone. Is this banquet to rally and inspire your organization, promote some emphasis, or purely for fun and fellowship? Whatever the purpose, be sure to include a large measure of the latter. The purpose of the banquet gives direction for planning the program, theme, speaker, etc.
BANQUET THEME
Most banquets have a theme. The choice is up to you and your committee. Select a theme in keeping with the purpose of the banquet. This may be a clever scheme to remind the guests of the purpose of the occasion. "Everybody's Birthday Banquet” and " 'Spice of Life' Banquet" are for fun and fellowship. "Happily Ever After" is a banquet planned to honor engaged couples or newlyweds.
Often the theme is seasonal. For a valentine banquet there are themes such as "Sweethearts Around the World," "Behind Love's Mask," "Valentine's Day at Dogpatch," and "I Remember.”
You will want to carry out the theme in the invitations, program, menu, decorations, favors, place cards, program folders, and reception of guests.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE
As chairman of the steering committee your main job is planning, and supervising. Guard against "doing it all yourself." Share responsibilities with the steering committee, and, in turn, help them share their responsibilities.
A check list, or outline, for you and the steering committee is:
The purpose of the banquet is ________________________________________________
The theme of the banquet is __________________________________________________
The date of the banquet is ____________________________________________________
(Double check to see that the proper calendars are clear.)
The time of the banquet is ____________________________________________________
Who will be invited? _________________________________________________________
(Members? Guests? Husbands? Wives? Dates? Prospective members? Families?)
Estimate the number who will attend: _______________________________________
Decide on the place for the banquet to be held . ______________________________ ______
(Take into consideration food, expense, acoustics, comfortable seating, ventilation, and attractiveness. Double check to see that the place is reserved.)
What will be the type of dress? ____________
Formal? Informal? Costume in keeping with the theme?
What will be the price of a ticket? __________
(Price will vary according to menu, place, and church subsidy. Experience teaches that people appreciate what they pay for. Usually paying even a small amount for a ticket is a guarantee that a person will be there.)
Determine the other committees to be used, name chairmen and committee members, and assign responsibilities. Place at least one adult on each committee in banquets for the younger youth groups. (As the general chairman of the steering committee you may want to be chairman of the program committee. You could also name each steering committee member chairman of one of the other committees. If you need more committee chairmen add them to the steering committee.)
OTHER BANQUET COMMITTEES
Decide which of the following committees you need. (The Primary Committees appear in capital letters. Sub-committees are listed below the Primary Committees. Use as needed)
Committee Chairman Other Members
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE _______________ __________________________
Invitations _______________ __________________________
Posters and Announcements _______________ __________________________
Tickets _______________ __________________________
PROGRAM COMMITTEE _______________ __________________________
Program Planning _______________ __________________________
Program Folders _______________ __________________________
Properties and Lights _______________ __________________________
DECORATIONS COMMITTEE _______________ __________________________
Table Decorations _______________ __________________________
General Decorations _______________ __________________________
Favors _______________ __________________________
Place Cards _______________ __________________________
FOOD COMMITTEE _______________ __________________________
Food Preparation _______________ __________________________
Table Arrangement & Setting _______________ __________________________
Food Serving _______________ __________________________
Kitchen Cleanup _______________ __________________________
RECEPTION COMMITTEE _____________ __________________________
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ____________ __________________________
Choose, combine, and/or enlarge your committees in proportion to the number of people to be involved, the banquet theme, and the food requirements.
For example, if your church has a permanent kitchen committee you decide you need only five committees: publicity, program, decorations (table and general), favors, and reception.
DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
Clearly defined responsibilities will do much to "grease the gears" of banquet production for you and your committees. You will want to separate these duties, or lump them together according to the committees you name.
Publicity Committee
Plan all publicity about the banquet with the purpose of getting the news to every member of the group.
Prepare and mail invitations. In these include information as to date, time, place, persons invited, cost, and type of dress. Mail invitations two weeks before the banquet.
Make and display posters.
Arrange for clever announcements before specific groups, and in church papers.
Assume full responsibility for tickets-printing, distributing, selling, accounting for, taking up at the door.
Close ticket sales forty-eight hours prior to the banquet.
Program Committee
Plan the program in detail. It usually takes more than a toastmaster and a speaker to make a good banquet program. Some banquets (e.g., "Lighthouse Reflections" and "Stairway to the Stars") do not need a speaker at all. All banquets, however, require a good balance of music. In fact, weigh each part of the program carefully, guided by the purpose and the theme of the banquet. Find out the budget allotment for the program and program folders and keep expenses within this amount.
Enlist a toastmaster who will be capable of keeping things moving in a happy, relaxed manner. It is preferable to choose as emcee one of the age group involved in the banquet. A young emcee will need careful guidance and support from an adult. Before the banquet, go over every detail of the program with the emcee, whether young or old.
Engage personnel for the various parts of the banquet program. If there is to be a guest speaker or entertainer, make a definite agreement concerning cost of services, travel, and accommodations. Most of those taking part on the program will be members of the organization planning the banquet and will serve voluntarily. Tell each person on the program how many minutes he has to perform and remind him to stay within that time. For a prepared skit or stunt also suggest the time needed for rehearsal.
Set the mood for banquet by providing pleasant background music. With many banquets you will also want to have strolling musicians who go from table to table during the dinner singing or playing popular songs.
Prepare attractive program folders to carry out the banquet theme. Keep the cost of these within the budget allowance. Consult with the decorating committee so that the cover will complement the decorations. Secure a copy of the menu from the food committee to include in the printed program. Place a program folder by each place at the tables.
Arrange for whatever props are needed for the program such as speaker's stand, platform, microphone, piano, and spotlights. Give the names of those to be seated at the speaker's table to the decorating committee. Discuss with this committee the over-all table arrangement.
If a pre-banquet activity or "mixer game" is decided upon as part of the program, ask the reception committee to help. Consider the theme of the banquet, the time the guests will arrive, and space to assemble outside the fellowship hall in planning this.
Discuss the menu with the chairman of the food committee. You will want to agree upon a time for each course to be served. Also determine the time and the plan for clearing the tables so that you will expedite the work of both committees. You could make this a fun feature by asking each man to stand, lean forward, pick up the dishes in front of him and to the right of him, and take them to the kitchen.
Decorations Committee
Theme: Determine the over-all decorating scheme to carry out the theme of the banquet. Correlate plans with the program committee. Check with the church custodian about setting up tables and the hours the committee will need to work when the church is closed.
Finance: Consider finances and keep decorations within a prescribed budget. Pretty decorations can be inexpensive. Sometimes items may be borrowed or rented from department stores, florists, linen services, and rental establishments. Remember to return anything you borrow.
Tables: Arrange the tables and decorate them attractively, simply, and invitingly. Finish decorating by noon of the day of the banquet if possible. Consult with the program committee in planning the speaker's table and the arrangements of the tables. Tables seating eight to ten make for easier table conversation and a folksier atmosphere. Try to give each guest plenty of "elbow room." Arrange chairs and tables so that few banqueters have their backs to the head table.
Banquet Hall: Decorate the walls, ceiling, windows, doors, stage, and entrance to highlight the banquet theme. The appearance of the banquet room does much to create the right atmosphere for an enjoyable evening. Use the light touch rather than "over-decorate."
Favors: Prepare inexpensive, yet clever, favors in keeping with the banquet theme. Favors give that "something special" touch to the decorati.ons and provide guests with a souvenir of the banquet. Edible favors are popular with the younger age groups. Place the favors on the tables in front of each plate. For variety work out a unique plan for favors to be given out during the dinner hour as part of the entertainment (e.g., In "Those Wonderful Years" banquet a waiter distributes small, decorated felt shoes made into sachets to the ladies and rolls of Life Savers made into striped barber poles to the men.
Arrange the symbols in succession on the table so that every fourth one or every sixth one is the same.
Place Cards: If you choose to use place cards make attractive ones to match the decorating scheme. Place these around after the tables are set and decorated. When guests are not acquainted, use a two-way place card with the name written on both sides. Print this large enough for the person across the table to read it. If place cards will create confusion do not use them except at the speaker's table. In this case write the names on plain white gift enclosure cards.
Mixers: To mix up a large crowd, and to help individuals meet new friends, make place cards with symbols and not names. When a guest arrives give him a name tag which has one of the symbols on it. He may be seated at any place having a card with his symbol.
If the guests do not come as couples, and there is the need to mix the boys and the girls, give them alternating symbols [e.g.,
at a rainbow banquet you arrange the place card symbols on the table in this order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
To the boys give red, yellow, and blue symbols. To the girls give orange, green, and violet].
Un-decorate after 'the banquet is over. Put away, in proper storage, materials that may be used again. Return all props to the place they belong.
Food Committee
Menu: Assign responsibilities to this committee in keeping with your church policy for operating the kitchen. Perhaps the only requirement in planning banquet food is to discuss and agree upon a date, menu, and number of plates with the chairman of your permanent kitchen committee. Play fair and do this far enough in advance for the necessary arrangements to be made.)
Decide on the menu in consultation with the program committee and the banquet chairman. Include dishes this particular age group will enjoy.
Answer questions such as:
· "Do they prefer hamburger steak to turkey and dressing?"
· "Will this menu be filling for the heavy eater?"
· "Are barbecued ribs appropriate when the girls are wearing evening dresses?"
Purchase and prepare the food mindful of the banquet budget.
Serve the plates with foods tempting to the eye and tasty to the tongue. Few people enjoy cold baked potatoes or melted congealed salad. With portable electric ovens and insulated containers it is possible to have foods as hot or as cold as they are supposed to be, even in churches with limited kitchen facilities.
Give a copy of the menu to those preparing the program folder.
Work with the table decorations committee in setting up the tables. Place dishes, glasses, silver, and napkins for the anticipated number of guests.
Servers: Enlist and organize enough people to serve so that there will be one for every eight to ten guests. Pour water, serve plates and beverages, pass hot bread, provide refills of drinks, and bring in the dessert. If there is to be an appetizer, decide when and where to serve it. Plan with the reception committee should you choose to do this as the guests arrive.
(You may want to dress alike in the same color skirts and blouses, or with matching aprons. At a Hawaiian banquet servers may want to wear muumuus. You could decide to invite women or men from another class or department to serve. Some men enjoy serving dressed in western gear or chef hats.)
Clear the tables after the meal. Be sure to consult the program committee chairman to find out the most appropriate time to clear the tables.
Wash, dry, and put dishes away after the banquet is over. Be sure to leave the kitchen clean and in order.
Reception Committee
1. Arrive early to be on hand to greet the first comers.
2. Provide a place for guests to hang their wraps in case of rain or cold.
3. Seek to create a congenial atmosphere as you receive the guests. Urge them to mix, mingle, and become acquainted before going into the banquet room.
4. Prepare and distribute name tags in keeping with the theme of the banquet.
5. If the program committee desires, work with them in giving instructions and carrying out a pre-banquet activity, or "mixer game."
6. Often the appetizer is served as guests arrive. Co-operate with the food committee to plan a scheme for this in keeping with the banquet theme. Smooth service at this point will do much to set the tone of the rest of the banquet
Transportation Committee
1. Make arrangements for transportation of visiting program personnel.
2. If you use cars, assign those needing transportation to specific drivers.
3. If your church has a bus, circulate definite instructions as to the time and place to board.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT SHEET
Prepare a committee assignment sheet to let every committee member know his area of responsibility.
Sample Committee Assignment Sheet
Committee: (Food Preparation) Chairman: (Mrs. W. T. Calhoun) Duties: 1. Decide on menu in consultation with general chairman. 2. Give a copy of the menu to the program folder committee. . Purchase and prepare food for (32?) 4. Budget requirements are ($_???????_ maximum) 5. Put food on plates and pass to those serving the tables.
BANQUET PROGRAM OUTLINE
Pre-banquet Activity
(See pp. 222-23 of The Omnibus of Fun by Helen and Larry Eisenberg.)
Toastmaster ………………………… ______________ (name) _______________________
I
Invocation …………………………….. ______________ (name) _______________________
Welcome ……………………………………………….……….………………………… Toastmaster
(Make this brief, but genuine.)
Let's Eat …………………………………………… (Background music and/or strolling musicians)
Recognitions
Guests ………………………………………………………. ________ (led by “name”) ___
Special Recognitions (awards, special emphases, etc.)
Appreciation to Committees, Workers, etc. (Brief, please!)
Group "Icebreaker" Game or Song …………………… __________ (led by “name”) _________
(Plan some type of relaxation and have the group stand. See Group Starters, pp. 172-90, The Omnibus of Fun, and chapter 2, Fun Plans for Church Recreation by Agnes Durant Pylant.)
Musical Number ………………………….. ……….. ______ (led by “name”) ________________
Group Game or Stunt …………………………….. ______ (led by “name”__________________
(See chapter 3, Fun Plans for Church Recreation)
Prepared or Impromptu Skit ………………………… _______________ (led by “name”) ______
(See chapter 4, Fun Plans for Church Recreation)
Group Singing ………………………………… __________ (led by Song Leader “name”) ____,
Speaker or Special Program Feature……… ___________ (name) ______________________
Benediction ……………………………………___________ (name) ______________________
BANQUET SPEAKER
"These dinner speeches tire me, they are tedious, flat, and stale: From a hundred thousand banquet tables comes a melancholy wail"
Dull and lengthy speakers bore people and will ruin any banquet. When you enlist a speaker tell him the subject and how much time he has to speak. Twenty minutes is sufficient. Seek for a speaker who can add a touch of humor to a message suitable for the occasion. The wise banquet speaker will pray the old farmer's prayer: "Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I've said enough."
TOASTMASTER OR EMCEE
As general chairman you may want to be toastmaster or emcee, if the banquet is for those in your own age group. When you enlist someone else give him a detailed outline of the program. Also share with him the following instructions for emcees:
"From the outline of the program the emcee should note each occasion when he will be on his feet and the purpose for it. With this information he is now ready for a most important part of his work-that of planning in advance what he is going to say and how he will say it.
This part of his personal preparation should be thorough. The temptation here is to leave this to 'off the cuff' remarks. Regardless of how experienced an emcee is, he is inviting failure or at best a mediocre performance without adequate time spent here.
If the career of any successful master of ceremonies is studied, it will be found that he spent hours rehearsing and working on the timing of his 'off the cuff' remarks. This is especially true when jokes or humorous stories are to be used. If this kind of preparation is necessary for the professional, then surely it is a must for the
amateur."
"Toastmaster, stand up to be seen; speak up to be heard; shut up to be liked."
A Toastmaster's Poem
Whatever troubles Adam had,
No one in days of yore
Could say when he had told a joke,
"I've heard that one before."
Anonymous
GROUP PARTICIPATION
A clever toastmaster and an entertaining speaker are not enough for you to be sure that everyone will have a good time at the banquet.
Plan group activities to begin as soon as the guests arrive and to be woven into the whole program.
Your program committee will ask the toastmaster to direct these, or arrange for an activity director.
You will want to plan stunts that are fun, but do not embarrass anyone.
Try this at a valentine banquet to get the crowd to stand up and relax: Before the banquet secretly fasten a large red paper heart under one chair at each table. Suggest that everyone stand and look to see if he has a "sweetheart" chair. Ask those with hearts to remain standing as the others sing to them "Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
A statistical treasure hunt by tables always gets group participation. The activity director tells each table, or section of a table, to appoint a secretary to keep score. He recognizes the secretaries to be sure that every table has one. He then calls for certain information and names the number of points. (Allow time for adding each set of points.)
· What is the month of your birth?
(Give 1 point for January, 2 for February, etc.)
· In what state were you born?
(Give one point for each different native state.)
· Who has on red?
(Give five points for each red dress or red necktie.)
· How far did you travel?
(Give one point for each mile traveled to the banquet.)
Continue this game with other questions and points, making the information suit the crowd and occasion. Applaud or sing to the table totaling the largest number of points.
BANQUET MUSIC
Group singing is a must at a banquet since almost everyone enjoys singing. You will need to start off with familiar songs and later introduce new ones. Sometimes you can add actions to certain songs to make a game out of them. First, teach or review the song. Next, add the motions. Now "get with it" and everyone is in. on the act with no wallflowers. The use of 35 millimeter song slides adds variety and aids in teaching new songs or recalling the words to
old songs.
For special musical numbers the program committee will want to ask someone to sing or play whom the guests will appreciate and enjoy. (A banquet is not a music recital.) See that the selections fit in with the theme of the banquet. Be specific as to their length and number;
Choose carefully the songs for group singing as well as the special music. Check every word of a song to be sure of its appropriateness.
FUN DRAMA
Drama deserves a place in most of your banquets. Be sure to have one or more skits, stunts, and dramatic group activities. Sometimes ask Sunday school classes or Training Unions to prepare and present these.
Many skits and stunts are impromptu. If you are in charge, call for participants from the audience. You will read the lines or give each character a short printed script. If costuming is needed, you will want to have this easily available. Sometimes, let the audience participate even more by asking them to lend their hats, jackets, scarf’s, or jewelry for dressing the characters.
You may use some skits and stunts that need to be prepared ahead of time and require at least one rehearsal. "In such cases, work for originality, spontaneity, and cleverness. The aim is fun and creativeness, not just perfection, yet there is no need for poor humor, slapstick comedy, or cheap stuff. There is a distinct value in trying to make the stunt beautiful. Sacred subjects should not be caricatured for a stunt." If a stunt depends upon something suggestive or off-color, leave it out.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Soon after the first meeting of the steering committee you will need to call together all of your committee chairmen. At this time, give written assignments to each.
As banquet chairman, urge each chairman to call his committee together as soon as possible to make specific plans to carry out assignments. Ask each committee chairman to call you to give a progress report when needed.
Keep in touch with the chairmen. One week before the banquet double check with each to see if there are any last-minute details still to be worked out. Also, ask for a list of the names of all individuals working with each committee so that you may express your appreciation to them.
BANQUET EXTRAS
Plan ahead! Allow plenty of time for your committees to function properly. Organize in committees at least a month before the banquet date. This is the only way to get other people involved.
Use imagination and creativity! Dare to launch out and develop original banquet themes. The annual youth banquet does not always have to be in February either. Add spice with variety.
See the whole picture! A good banquet is food plus guests, plus speaker, plus emcee, plus activities, plus atmosphere, etc. Consider the whole as you "tee off" and follow through.
Set a time limit! Two hours is usually long enough for the banquet to last. Does the speaker know this? "A speech to be immortal need not be eternal."
Build good relationships! Be considerate of the custodian. Do your part in cleaning up the fellowship hall after decorating,
and after the banquet is over.
Be grateful! Many individuals are responsible for the success of a banquet. Express a brief word of gratitude at the banquet. After the banquet write a note of appreciation to each one taking part.
BANQUET EVALUATION
The banquet is over. So what? Don't stop now! Call together the committee chairmen. To get an objective viewpoint invite two or three participants who did not work on committees to meet with you. Have a "postmortem" to consider:
Weak points of banquet________________________________________________________________ Things to be worked on at next banquet: ___________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ WHAT NEXT?
1. Number planned for: ____________________________________________________
Number attending: _____________________________________________________
2. Number participating on committees: _______________________________________
Number participating on program: __________________________________________
3. Was room left in order? __________________________________________________
4. Have thank you notes been written? ________________________________________
5. Have items borrowed been returned? _______________________________________
6. Are reusable materials stored? ____________________________________________
7. Banquet budget: _______________________________________________
8. Cost of food: ______________________
9. Cost of decorations _________________
10. Other banquet expenses: ____________
11. Total cost of banquet: ______________________________________________
12. Did the banquet accomplish its purpose? _____________________________________
13. Strong points of Banquet: ________________________________________________________________________
This banquet was great! Share the plans with others. File a complete report plus samples of program, favors, etc. in the church office. If you have extra copies pass them On to other churches and begin an "idea" exchange program. Another banquet? They participated! They had fun! Sure they'll come!
SOME BANQUET THEMES
Stairway to the Stars-A dramatic script features the "Star Lady" who brings before you love scenes beginning with childhood sweethearts and continuing through each stage of love. A beautiful stairway, pink and blue angel hair clouds, twinkling stars, and blue floodlights decorate the fellow- ship hall to make an "out of this world" setting. This is written for the
valentine season but you could adapt it for other occasions
Those Wonderful Years-The Gay Nineties theme is developed in decorations, favors, programs, etc. The waiters have handlebar mustaches, high collars, string ties, and tight-legged trousers. Most of the program features the light side of "those wonderful years." However, the message points to outstanding people in Baptist history, then presents a challenge for one to be worthy of his heritage. You could use this during the valentine season, for Baptist heritage emphasis, as a challenge to workers at the beginning of a new church year, or at graduation time.
Classroom Capers Banquet-A nostalgic visit to the little red school house will be fun for your high school graduates, college students, or church leadership. Divide the group into fictitious school grades. Let each grade decorate a table and perform as a part of the school day schedule. In the decorations include slates, alphabet letters, school bell, globe, and readers. The "teacher" is your master of ceremonies. (Abingdon Party and Banquet Book by Clyde M. Maguire, pp. 35-45)
Spring Bonnet Affair-A class or organization of women or girls will enjoy entertaining their guests at a "take-off" on spring hats. You will use this theme at a banquet that is purely for fun and fellowship. Decorate program booklets with real veiling, ribbon, tiny flowers, feathers, and other trimmings. Make a cake hat for the centerpiece at the head table, and make nut-cup hats for favors. Ask the speaker to use the subject, "What's Under Your Hat?" as he talks on developing and using one's mind for the glory of God. (Banquets Plus! by Mabel King Beeker, pp. 51-55)
Masked Magic-In a setting of wonder, magic, mystery, surprise, and
suspense you may use this banquet to reveal the identity of a "king" and "queen" or "church sweethearts" elected by secret ballot. Ask an amateur magician to be toastmaster. Decorate with magic balls, frilly hearts, red and white hearts, question marks, and exclamation points. Each favor is a black paper magician spreading a handkerchief over a nut cup. Make glittered
mask-shaped program covers. The program is entertaining, complete, and meaningful without a speaker. You will find that this valentine banquet has great possibilities for presentation at other times with just a few minor changes.
Dine at the Terrific Tearoom-Transform the fellowship hall into a tearoom for a dinner that is different and delightful. The tearoom hostess welcomes the guests. Waitresses in black dresses and white aprons, carrying order pads in their hands, give guests a "bewildering" menu. This is only the beginning of the fun. Seat the guests at small tables for four. Decorate with gay table- cloths, colorful napkins, and tiny vases of flowers. Use this banquet when
planning a couples' affair at any season of the year. Men or boys could use this banquet theme. They would staff the tearoom. This would add fun and humor as they entertain their guests. (Abingdon Party and Banquet Book by Clyde M. Maguire, pp. 11-17)
Queenly Quest-In terms of royalty you may develop this theme to install or instruct new officers of an organization, to recognize those who have made progress in achieving certain requirements, or to use for an inspirational banquet. Change the title to "Royal Quest" if you invite both sexes. At May-time the banquet will adapt to "Queen 0' the May." Decorate with crowns, jewels, miniature castles, and flowers. The stage becomes a throne with the program a "Command Performance." (Banquets Plus! by Mabel King Beeker, pp. 143-47)
Sweethearts Around the World-Travel around the world at the sweetheart season. Ask guests to gather in a room decorated to portray an air terminal. Prepare the programs in the form of "tickets" which indicate the various stops the plane will make. Dine at a sidewalk cafe in Paris for the first stop. Continue the trip to other countries for different program features. Omit the "sweetheart" emphasis and you have a delightful international banquet for any time of the year.
Spice of Life Banquet-As the name suggests, there is variety in this banquet. You will carry out four different themes in decorations and program. Divide the members into four groups before the banquet and let them choose one of the themes. They will decorate their table in this theme and dress in character to match. The four themes are: "The Gay Nineties," "A Hobo Gathering," "A Pioneer Group," and "A Shipload of Sailors." Substitute themes or add others if you like. (Abingdon Party and Banquet Book by Clyde M. Maguire, pp. 111-16)
An Apple for Teacher-Show appreciation for teachers or recognize those who have earned training awards with this adaptation of the "school theme." Paint sprays of apple blossoms on light green program covers. Golden Rule bookmarks are favors. Decorate the tables with miniature apple trees or apple blossoms. The program includes classes in home
economics, music appreciation, history, art, English, and composition. The speaker brings the message at chapel time. (Banquets Plus! by Mabel King Beeker, pp. 65-70)
Hitch Your Wagon to a Star-This is a valentine banquet with inspiration running all the way through it from the theme to the benediction. Therefore, you will find this a beautiful banquet to adapt for other seasons and use to inspire graduates, new workers, or organizations. Pink and silver are the outstanding colors in the decorations and the program covers. For the table make small styrofoam wagons, glitter the wheels, and fill the wagons with plastic umbrellas, pink flowers, and pink netting. Place each wagon on a cloud. Extend pink ribbons from the wagon to a metallic star fastened to a tall pink candle.
Everybody's Birthday Banquet-A birthday calls for a celebration. By celebrating everybody's birthday you will find this banquet theme excellent for getting participation. It is written for the large crowd, but suggestions are included for adapting it for the small group or to use as a progressive dinner. Plan for the traditional birthday decorations with a large cake on the speaker's table. (Abingdon Party and Banquet Book by Clyde M. Maguire, pp. 27-34)
To Paris with Love-Paris- love and springtime go together. Transform the banquet room into a street scene from Paris with the Eiffel Tower at one end of the room. You may capture the French atmosphere with artists, musicians, and models. Guests will eat at a sidewalk cafe. Print the menu in French. Serve at "tables for four" covered with red checkered tablecloths and centered with drip candles. Use the banquet in February or springtime.
Lighthouse Reflections-Use this dramatic script for a banquet of a serious nature any time of the year. Build a large lighthouse for the front of the room. Decorate with ships and sea scenes. The lighthouse keeper and his wife greet the guests. You will want to take care in casting the main characters. Smooth production will call for several rehearsals of the entire cast. Without a speaker, the lighthouse keeper will inspire the audience as he talks to the small lad about all of us being lighthouse keepers. (Abingdon Party and Banquet Book by Clyde M. Maguire, pp. 96-105)
Potluck-Let all of your members have a share in preparing and furnishing the food for this banquet. Guests may serve their favorite recipes for meat, vegetables, salad, bread, or dessert according to assignment. Hang kitchen utensils on the walls and arrange flowers in kettles and deep pans for the tables. Ask the speaker to bring a brief devotional message challenging those present to be as useful in service to God as pots and pans are in the kitchen. (Banquets Plus! by Mabel King Beeker, pp. 137-42)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Banquet Plans
Abingdon Party and Banquet Book, Clyde Merrill Maguire,
Banquets Plus! Mabel King Beeker
Choice Banquets, compiled by Agnes Durant Plant,
Mother-Daughter Banquets, compiled by Grace Request,
The Cokesbury Dinner and Banquet Book, Clyde M. Maguire,
The Master Banquet and Party Book, Beatrice Plumb,
Decorations, Favors, etc.
Creative Crafts for Children, Kenneth R. Benson,
Food 'n' Fun Craft, Eleanor Doan and Gladys McElroy
Gay Decorations with Dennison Crepe Paper
Gifts, Gadgets and Glamour, Marjorie Canfield Green
Paper-Mache, Lillian Johnson
Toni Hughes' Book of Party Favors and Decorations, Toni Hughes
261 Handcrafts and Fun for Little Ones, Eleanor Doan
For Toastmaster and Speaker
Braude's Handbook of Humor for All Occasions, Jacob M. Braude
How to Talk Your Way to Success, Harry Simmons
Public Speaker's Treasure Chest, Herbert V. Prochnow
Speaker's Book of Illustrations, Herbert V. Prochnow
The Process of Communication, David K. Berlo
The Toastmaster's and Speaker's Handbook, Herbert V. Prochnow
When It's Laughter you’re After, Stewart Harral
Menus
Food for Fifty, compiled by Sina F. Fowler, Bessie B.West, and Grace S. Shugar
How to Plan Church Meals, Jane Kirk
Potluck Party Recipes, Thora Hegstod Campbell
Program Ideas
Choice Readings, Ruth Vaughin
Eating Fun for Intermediates, Helen K. Painter
Fun Plans for Church Recreation, Agnes Durant Pylant
Games for Boys and Men
How to Help Folks Have Fun, Helen and Larry Eisenberg
The Fun Encyclopedia, E. O. Harbin
Serious Drama
Acting Out the Truth, Sarah Walton Miller
Skits and Stunts
Do It Yourself! (tricks, stunts, and skits), Bernice Wells Carlson
End of Your Stunt Hunt, Helen and Larry Eisenberg
Fun with Skits, Stunts, and Stories, Helen and Larry Eisenberg
Hilarious Stunts, Harry Githens and others
Skit Hits, Helen and Larry Eisenberg
The Handbook of Skits and Stunts, Helen and Larry Eisenberg
The Master Stunt Book, Lawrence M. Brings
Songs
Songs for Fun and Fellowship, Nos. 1 and 2, William J. Reynolds and Cecil McGee
Banquet Supplies
Johnson Smith Company, 6615 East Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan 48207
Dick Blick, P. O. Box 469, Galesburg, Illinois 61401
Banquet Aids, Box 610, Grenada, Mississippi
Dennison Manufacturing Company, Dept. 53, Framingham, Massachusetts (Items manufactured by this company available in local retail outlets; write for leaflet describing decorating booklets which may be purchased direct from manufacturer.)
National Supply Company, 608 Fourth Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51101
(If catalog is not available in your church office, write company on church letterhead)
Theatrical Supplies
(Write these companies for free catalogs)
Eldridge Publishing Company, Franklin, Ohio
Paramount Theatrical Supplies, 32 West 20th Street, New York, New York l
Banquet Ideas and Programs
Gifts From Around the World Christmas Banquet
WITH CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Purpose
If foreign missions and Christmas go together in your church, what could be more appropriate than a Christmas gift banquet with an international theme? Let this be an enjoyable experience for the whole church.
Invitation
Make a folder on tan construction paper and seal it so that it must be broken in order for the message inside to be read. Print on the inside: Yes, "Do Not Open Until" your curiosity gets too great and then you'll be sure to know that the (name of organization) Christmas Banquet will be (day) night (date) at (time). Dress (formal, semiformal, or informal).
Give detailed information as to plans for children and their food, if this is for the whole church.
Note: Bring a gift made in another country. Choose a gift suitable for a person of your age and sex. (State an amount to pay for the gift if you think this information is needed.)
Reception of Guests
In four areas of a large room or in four small rooms, set up tables for displaying the International gifts brought by the guests. Assign one or more hostesses to each area. Ask the hostesses to dress in a costume of one of the countries represented in her area.
Use these four divisions:
(1) the Americas, (2) Europe, (3) Africa and the Near East, and (4) the Orient. Give each guest the privilege of helping to display his gift (unwrapped) and of viewing the other gifts. Later use these gifts in planned service activities.
General Decorations
Behind the speaker's table, or on a stage where most of the program will be presented, place a large map of the world (may be obtained from the Foreign Mission Board, the National Geographic Society, or a stationery store).
Frame the map with Christmas greens. Attach to each continent a cutout of an attractive Christmas package. Use colors that offer a pleasing, yet outstanding, contrast. Across the middle of the map paint a large cross. (Use "Nite Brite," a luminous paint from the Craftint Manufacturing Company, Cleveland , Ohio. This will not show until the lights are turned out. Follow directions so that the paint may be exposed to at least thirty minutes of direct light to give the desired effect in the dark.)
Place large or small decorated Christmas trees (according to space available) on each side of the map. Surround the trees with boxes that have been wrapped as attractive gifts. Scatter some of the gifts so that they make an informal type of arrangement, reaching from one tree to the other. Do this in a manner that will suggest gifts around the world.
Use a few flags and bright lights in the over-all decorations. Spotlight the map.
Table Decorations
Assign to individuals or groups tables to be decorated in a style suggesting a certain country and/or its Christmas customs. Decorate small Christmas trees with tiny objects typical of a particular country to give an international flavor.
For example:
To represent Holland, have gifts spilling out of wooden shoes.
At the Mexican table feature the piñata.
Dolls from around the world will add excitement to any table.
If the crowd is large, several tables may represent the same country.
Program Cover
Print or mimeograph the program cover on blue paper. Paint the holly with red and green tempera. Add silver glitter to the background garland and Christmas ornaments. Touch up the packages with color if necessary. White tempera on the ribbons will do the trick.
Program
Thanks to the Giver of Every Good Gift
Edible Gifts from Around the World
The World Gives to Us
Christmas Traditions (brief mention of the main traditions)
Songs of the Nations (special musical selections from several countries)
"Gifted" with International Drama (any good stunt can be adapted)
Gifts of Song for the World (everybody sings Christmas carols)
"Let Us Give" (a guest speaker brings a short missionary message with a personal challenge to each member)
The Greatest Gift (lights out so the cross on the map will glowall join in singing 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Let the last stanza serve as the benediction. )
Menu
Italian Cocktail (grape juice)
Southern Fried Chicken
Chinese Rice Irish Green Beans
Olives from the Jordan
Swiss cheese with Fruit Salad
Brazilian Coffee Danish Rolls
English Plum Pudding
Favors
A "surprise" package placed at each plate may contain a small Christmas bell, wrapped as though having come from a foreign country.
Place Cards
Attach gift tags to the small packages to serve as place cards at the speaker's table, and elsewhere if needed.
Costumes
Ask those who serve the tables to wear costumes of many nations or at least colorful aprons and clever headpieces to give the suggestion of a costume. Plan for Dutch caps, Mexican sombreros, French tams, Spanish lace mantillas, and Oriental coolie hats.
Special Activities for the Children
Arrange to have the families eat together at the banquet tables, or ask the parents to serve supper at home to the children eight years of age and younger. If children eat at the banquet tables, they will go to their assigned rooms before the program begins. Be sure the workers precede the children to the rooms.
Plan for age groups of not more than fifteen preschoolers or twenty-five elementary school age children each. Use the rooms where the children are accustomed to meeting. Move out all the extra furniture to allow space for the active games. Enlist at least two or three adult leaders for each group of children.
In planning for elementary school age children, how about letting them help decide how to decorate their room? They may have objects from other countries, costumes, or decorations that they would like to bring from home.
Decorations
For elementary school age children, use as many objects as possible to create a festive
"international" atmosphere in the room, such as Japanese lanterns, Hawaiian leis, balloons, Spanish piñatas, wooden shoes, Indian jewelry and rugs, and dolls of different lands.
Suggest that the leaders dress in Indian fiesta dresses, Japanese kimonos, or Hawaiian muumuus to add special interest for the children. Let the children help make the decorations from crepe paper. For both preschoolers and elementary school age children, display pictures of children and scenes from other lands.
As the Children Arrive
Provide as many articles of dress or objects of adornment typical of other lands as possible. Include colorful scarves and headdresses, pieces of cloth in bright colors, jewelry, leis, artificial flowers, and wooden shoes. Let each child select the objects which will help to establish the identity of the child from a particular country he wishes to represent during the evening. Lead the children to examine the books or pictures for ideas if necessary. Be sure to provide the "materials" which you anticipate the children to need in carrying out their ideas. Both elementary school age children and preschoolers will enjoy doing this.
Refreshments
If the children eat at the banquet tables they may not need refreshments. If refreshments are provided, try Hawaiian fruit punch and coconut cookies for tasty, yet simple refreshments. Use your own good judgment as to the appropriate time to serve; but, make them exciting.
Games
Pass the bag (Alaska)
Children form a large standing circle. While music is played, they toss a beanbag from one to another. When the music stops, the one holding the bag drops out and sits in a prearranged circle of chairs. The last one who remains standing is the winner. (For elementary school age children or older preschoolers)
Bounce the ball (Syria)
Recognize the winner of the last game by allowing him to start this new game. Each child bounces a large rubber ball, twirls around, and then catches it. The winner is the one who can accomplish this feat the greatest number of times without missing. (This activity is best for elementary school age children)
Cat and mouse (Philippine Islands)
Draw a large circle on the floor. In the center place several small objects, such as sticks and shoes, representing cheese. The winner of the previous game is the cat, who stays within the circle and guards the cheese. The other children are mice who try to get the cheese without getting tagged. If the cat manages to tag anyone of the mice, the one tagged becomes the cat. If the mice get all the cheese without getting caught, the cat continues during the next game.
The hidden pebble
This game is similar to Button, Button. Often, when this game is played in Asia, nuts are used instead of pebbles. The children count off, one, two, one, two, and so on. The "ones" sit on the floor in a parallel line facing the "twos," feet straight out and close together. Each side chooses a leader. The leader of the first side goes up and down his line, pretending to hide a small pebble under the knees of one of the children. When he finally hides it, the leader of the second side tries to guess where it is. If he guesses correctly, the child under whose knees the pebble was hidden goes to the second side. If he guesses incorrectly, a child from the second side goes to the first side, and the first side hides the pebble again. The side with the largest number at the end of the game is winner. (This activity is best for elementary school age children)
The hen and the leopard
This is the African version of Fox and Geese. Someone is chosen to be "It" (the leopard). The other children stand at various places in the room. They cannot move from their places but must try to avoid getting caught by squatting. The leopard scores a "catch" when he touches someone who is standing erect. The one who is "caught" becomes "It." (This activity is best for elementary school age children)
Follow the leader
Boys and girls in Switzerland play follow the leader in the snow. One child is the leader who directs the others to follow him. All pretend that snow has just fallen and follow the leader, as he walks with toes inward; walks with toes outward; jumps forward with both feet; and hops first on one foot and then on the other. Change leaders several times. (This activity is best for elementary school age children or preschoolers)
My great aunt lives in Tours (France)
Sit in chairs or on the floor. Read the following jingle and let the children decide what
sound they want to make after each animal they name.
My great aunt lives in Tours
In a house with a cherry tree,
With a little mouse (squeak, squeak)
And a great big dog (bow, wow)
And a tabby cat (meow, meow)
And a speckled hen (cluck, cluck)
And a small pink pig (oink, oink)
And a spotted cow (moo, moo).
Any number of animals or birds may be added. (This activity is best for Preschoolers)
The queen's headache (England or any country with royalty).
Name one player who will be queen. Place her chair at one end of the room and have all the other boys and girls seated at the other end. Blindfold the queen and have her sit with her back to the other players. Tell the boys and girls that the queen has a terrible headache and has dismissed her royal court because they were too noisy. Tell them that she seeks new attendants who will walk quietly. Let everyone have an opportunity to see if he qualifies. As leader, nod or point to one player at a time who wants to try. Tell him to quietly slip up and touch the queen on her shoulder. Tell the queen to groan if she hears a noise. Remind all players that it is necessary for them to be quiet, whether trying to reach the queen or not. When a player reaches the queen let him swap places with her. (This activity is best for elementary school age children)
Break a piñata (Mexico)
Make a papier-mâché bird or animal, which is hollow at the bottom. Suspend from it the bottom of a bag made of two thicknesses of tissue paper. Inside the bag, in the piñata, place individually wrapped hard candies and other small surprises. To finish the pinata add crepe paper trimmings and suspend it from the ceiling by a pulley cord. Blindfold the children and give each a stick with which to strike at the piñata. Keep the piñata teasingly just out of reach until several have had turns. When the piñata is broken, the children scramble for the "goodies." The piñata may be filled with favors that the children can take home. In this case, this should be the final activity of the evening. (This activity is best for elementary school age children or preschoolers)
(Note: If you are planning for Beginners and need additional activities, choose some of their favorites.)
Music and stories
If elementary school age children and older preschoolers know folk songs of other lands which they have learned at school or nursery school, sing these as a group or individually. Religious courses with actions are always a good musical Activity.
Musical chairs is always fun. Place a chair for each person in a circle. Remove one chair. Play music and have the children to walk around the circle. When the music stoops everyone sits in a chair. The one left standing is out. Remove another chair and repeat the activity until the chairs are down to only two chairs. Repeat the activity until the winner is selected. If the group is large have several circles of 8 to 10 chairs each. Do not leave the people who are out of the game too long. They will become restless and will not enjoy the activity.
Choose an appropriate story to close the party or as a lead to the breaking of the piñata.
Variety Program for Fellowship Dinner
WITH PLANS FOR CHILDREN
Publicity
Telephone specific plans for the Fellowship Dinner to every member of the church. Enlist a large telephone committee to help with this. Plan for clever announcements before various groups and in the church paper. Use posters, mimeographed fliers, and invitations for mailing. Consider this suggestion as a pattern.
Decorations
Carry out the "variety" theme by "varying" the centerpieces on each table. Centerpieces may be made of driftwood, old roots, or bare tree branches. Spray these with paint to match one of the colors of the promotional material. Make popcorn flowers by gluing to the wood clusters of popped corn. These may be sprayed different colors.
Reception of Guests
Present each guest with a Fellowship Dinner program and a pencil. (Leave the back cover of the program blank or print at the top “Welcome Varieties.") Instruct each guest to write down five different ways to welcome someone to the dinner. Beside each way indicate the name of the person he greets using this method. Later the toastmaster calls on several individuals to demonstrate one of their greetings.
Nut Cups
Use plain nut cups in a shade to match the color scheme. Fill some with peanuts, some candy com, some mints, and others hard candies. Do not mix these.
Program Covers
If the preprinted program cover is not used, mimeograph or print the programs on heavy paper to match the chosen color scheme. Cut these in the long, slender style of folder with the
front deckle or shaggy-edged. Leave at least half an inch of the back cover showing.
PROGRAM
Welcome Varieties
Invocation
Delicious Varieties ( Let's eat)
Special Varieties
A toast to banquet committees
A toast to all workers in the stewardship program of the church
A toast to the pastor and staff
Musical Varieties (all sing)
Double Varieties with Musical Variations (a vocal or piano duet)
Dramatic Varieties (a stewardship skit)
Stewardship Varieties (Ask the pastor or a guest speaker to speak on the "variables" and the "constants" of stewardship.)
Benediction
Menu
Delicious Varieties
Beef of the Best Variety
(roast beef, country-fried steak, or hamburger steak)
Baked Potato with Varied Dressings
(sour cream, chives, bacon crumbles, butter, etc.)
Mixed Vegetables
Congealed Fruit Salad
Buttered Rolls Coffee or Tea
Ice Cream
Assorted Cookies
Plans for the Children
Keep the schedule for the evening flexible, unhurried, and simple. Use the following schedule of children’s activities as a suggestion for a two-hour session:
Activity time (approximately 30 minutes)
Have the children in small groups according to age. Let them read books from the church library, listen to records or have other music activities, work puzzles, enjoy nature objects, or look at pictures. Introduce new and interesting creative media to the children. Consider finger painting, tempera painting, paper tearing, making various kinds of puppets, or weaving.
Cleanup time (approximately 10 minutes)
Encourage the children to do as much of the cleaning up as they can.
Group time (approximately 15 minutes)
Let each child tell about what he did during the activity time. Sing some of the children's favorite songs.
Snack time (approximately 20 minutes)
If the group is too large for all the children to go at one time to the rest rooms, let two or three of them choose partners and go quietly. Let the others remain in the group and play a quiet game. As the children return to the room, let them go to the tables, put their heads down, and rest. Play quiet music on the record player or a musical instrument to help create a restful atmosphere.
Provide refreshments that are simple but wholesome. Let the children pass the napkins, serve the refreshments, and thank God for the food.
Game time (approximately 25 minutes)
Lead the children in playing two or three of their favorite games. For elementary school age children begin with a semi active game such as "Musical Chairs" or "Follow the Leader." Follow this with a good relay. Bring the children back to the closing group time by playing a quiet game such as "Simon Says." For Preschoolers use the musical activities that go along with the recordings "Nothing to Do" (CRG-10l2) and "A Visit to My Little Friend" (CRG-10l7).
Closing group time (approximately 20 minutes)
Include in these closing minutes an interesting Bible story, singing religious chourses, perhaps reading from the Bible, and a prayer thanking God for a happy evening together.
Buccaneer Breakfast or Banquet
TO BEGIN A NEW CHURCH YEAR
Invitation
Pirates bold
In search of Gold
Will treasure rate
At a breakfast date.
Buccaneer Breakfast
Date _____________
Time _____________
Place _____________
Print invitation on a pirate chest made of gold construction paper. On outside splash in bold letters: BEWARE-Break seal at own risk!
Purpose
Use this breakfast (or banquet) for one department or for all church leadership to offer inspiration at the beginning of a new church year. Present the goals of the organization.
Reception of Guests
Each guest receives a colored eye patch (made of red, yellow, or green construction paper and twine). He writes his name on the eye patch and ties it around his head.
Decorations
For the center of interest build an island with palm trees, small shrubs, and a large treasure chest that has jewels spilling out of it. Around the wall place pirate flags (black with white skull and crossbones) and treasure maps with burned, curled edges.
Decorate the tables with small artificial palm trees, red and gold flowers, ships, small islands of sand, and small treasure chests of jewels.
Program Covers
Print programs on gold construction paper. Use a drawing of a pirate with an island in the background. Touch up the program with tempera paints to bring out green palm trees, sandy shore, blue water, red pirate sash, and white skull and crossbones on the
pirate's hat.
Program
Invocation
Walking the Plank (reception of guests)
Pirates Galley (breakfast)
Welcome to the Cove (toasts)
"Our Gold Nuggets" (workers)
"Our Pearls" (new members and prospects)
"Our Rubies" (old members)
Pirate Chants (songs of the sea and of sailing)
Captain Kidd (stunt time)
Treasure Hunt (Present the work of the organization and the goals for the year.)
Booty for All (Ask a guest speaker to bring an inspirational message on each person's personal responsibility in achieving the goals and the reward in Christian growth and development.)
Benediction
Breakfast Menu
Juice of the Island
(orange juice)
Scrambled Gold (eggs)
Fried Treasure (bacon)
Hardtack (toast)
Davy Jones's Delight (coffee)
Jellied Jewels (preserves)
Sweet Nuggets (sweet rolls)
Banquet Menu
Juice of the Island
(Pineapple)
Fried Treasure (chicken)
Whipped Gold (potatoes)
Congealed Jewels (J ell-O salad)
Buccaneer Beans (green limas)
Hardtack (French rolls)
Frozen Nuggets (ice cream cake roll)
Favors
Mount small pirate Hags made of black or gold paper on wooden skewers and stick in red apples.
Additional Banquet and Party Ideas are printed in our Banquet and Party Ideas Booklet.