We're Having a Dinner Party!

                                       

                                       

Before I even get into the meat of this post, I want ya'll to pay attention to this.

There's been a whole hell of a lot of drama roiling about in the blogosphere lately post-BlogHer.  I want to assure you that this little dealio I'm about to suggest, is in NO WAY bait for more drama!  Puleeeeze. 

There have been posts about jealousy and being jealous of the ones that are jealous or not understanding the ones who are jealous.  And then there's been suggestions of cliques and exclusionary groups of snogs© (my own little word for blog snobs - although I've never come across these much gossiped about creatures in my vast bloggy travels) who allow no one in...well if that's the case, how'd they end up with anyone in the group in the first place?

My point folks, is this...this is community.  It is what you make of it.  You can participate and get involved and learn something and let us learn from you, or not.  And having said that, I hope that is what we all get from my little idea.  At least I hope it doesn't totally suck and you all play along.

I debated doing this for a long time and I finally had a talk with a wise friend who said it was a "fucking awesome idea and just do it already!"   I didn't want anyone to come away from this feeling like; "How come she didn't invite me? She must not like me!"

The impetus behind this was just to be able to get to know other writers/bloggers I haven't read or read very much of, and I hope that you all can do the same thing.  And maybe afterward we'll all sit around and sing folk songs and braid one another's hair.  Or not. 

Now, having said all that, Here's the thing...

You are going to have a dinner party!  Oh yes you are.  Well OK, not a REAL dinner party, but hey, if you're so inclined, more power to ya.  Anyhow, you're having this swell dinner party and you are going to invite ten bloggers. And if you're worried about not having enough time to plan this, never fear my luvlies, this will be running the entire month of August!

Create a post telling us who you are inviting and what about that person's writing makes you think they'd be an intriguing/funny/interesting person to share a meal with.  What have you learned about these people through reading their blogs and what would you hope to learn about them through breaking bread with them?   

Once you've created your post, be sure and come back here and link (Mr. Linky makes it EASY PEASY!) to that specific post on your blog, and make sure you link back here telling others about the Barking Mad Dinner Party.   You can even steal the lame-o graphic above (someone needs to come to my rescue and help me out with these damn things!  I'm so NOT graphically gifted!) and place it in your post.

Again, this isn't an exercise in exclusion.  It's quite the opposite actually.  This will give a lot of us who are just tentatively stepping foot in the community and bravely reaching out to the others, a chance to get to know some of you better and vice versa.  Most of all, have fun with this.  I hope it gives you a chance to get to know some people you might not have otherwise and gives them a chance to get to know YOU!

I'll come back with my own invitees when I'm not about to fall over from the smell coming from the kitchen.  Meg is cooking her very first lobster (gag) and I don't think it's supposed to smell like that.

 

 

Comments

[bejewell]

Wow, whoever that "wise friend" was who told you should do this must have been a FUCKING GENIUS! I can't believe someone could be so FUCKING SMART! You must have great taste in friends!

Okay, so I am totally working on this. It really IS a brilliant idea but it's gonna take me a day or so to pull my thoughts together and write something awesome. Plus, I've got stupid volunteer stuff to do today (these things always seem like a good idea at the time) so my day is pretty well shot.

Never fear, my post WILL be here.

(pleasesomebodypickmepleasesomebodypickmepleasesomebodypickme)

[Auds]

Beej - My day is shot as well...but nothing as cool as volunteering, or trying to answer my own post. Nope, I'm trying to hook up a goddamned DVD player and after all the trouble I've been through, I'm begining to think it's the DVD player itself and not the friggin cables!

That's it! I'm inviting geeks and techie guys to my dinner party. Then again....Maybe not.

[Simply Shannon]

ooh, cool idea! I'm going to need a bit to get my list together though.

[Auds]

Shannon - looking forward to it!

[mrs. chicken]

GREAT idea.

[MrsWaltz]

How unbelievably stupid am I going to sound if I say I want to do it but I really didn't understand how this works...? (Or is that a subtle little weeding out process ROFL I can take a hint...!)

[Dana]

I was kind of going to ask about how it was supposed to work. My over thinking brain has been overanalyzing this since last night. Am I supposed to invite my favorite bloggers, whether they read my blog or not? Or am I supposed to invite my favorite bloggers that I read, but who I think have NO IDEA I'm even alive? I could totally do either one. I'm just kind of sitting here thinking, "Well, I can invite people I like, and who like my blog, because I don't want them to feel left out. But on the other hand, I want to invite people who have absolutely no idea who I am, in hopes to meet a few more wonderful bloggers."
Of course Bejewell is totally on my list either way ;).
So throw me a bone and help me make my decision, will ya?

[catnip]

Can I ask how much time we have to get our party planned? Cause ZOMG, I'm in work hell AND going away for a couple days, AND company coming next weekend. Gah! Maybe I need a dinner party asap to get my mind off all this. You're awesome Auds.

[Auds]

OK...to answer a couple of questions.

The dinner party will be running through the entire month of August. Take your time. Just don't forget to come back here to THIS post and link your post so others can check it out.

Another thing...I understand some concerns about this possibly turning into a "playing favourites" type of thing. I promise you, it's not like that!

I want to know why you enjoy the people you read so much and what about them rocks your world. In turn, that gives them and YOU a chance to be read. Get it?

Not only that, but HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Be a smart ass...reach out to someone you think is untouchable. Seriously, they aren't! They are human, just like you and me, and when cut they bleed. And you never know what sort of friendships may be forged just by the simple actions of you giving a shout out, a dinner invite if you will - to that person.

And BY ALL MEANS....Let that person know!

I hope that's cleared up any questions. But if not, just email me. I could REALLY use the distraction right now (tomorrow's post will explain that) and I want this to be FUN FUN FUN!

I'm so glad there's a lot of excitement. I'm really looking forward to the kind of dinner's you're all planning and who you are going to invite!

Auds

[Jessica (from It's my life...)]

Hi!
I just found you through Twitter and I'm so in love with this idea that I'm sticking around.
I need a few days to get my ducks in a row (You know, so I can roast them or decide what else to do with them for the party.) and decide what awesome bloggers I'm going to invite to the partay! There are so many I love who I think deserve some attention!

But I have to admit this is kicking my own personal neurosis into high gear... I'm terrified no one will pick me! I might have a little self esteem issue going on over here... Don't mind me!

[AMomTwoBoys]

Love it. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT LOVE IT. I'm totally in. Can I invite more than 10, cause I'm not sure I can limit it. :0)

[Jenny, Bloggess]

I love this idea. Really brilliant. It's probably something that fits more over on my Chronicle blog but I'm going to really try to do this. Anytime in August?

[Hip_M0M]

Great idea...I now have to do a bit of research to make sure everyone on my invite list drinks (heavily).

[Lovebabz]

I dig this! I am a girl for a party and I will host one and will do as you ask...link back. Cool. I will choose my date and get it going! Hhm will start with invitations! Then the event!

COOL!

[Renee / But Why Mommy]

This is a great idea. Now I just have to figure out who to invite.

[Redneck Mommy]

I love this idea. I'm all about spreading the love. And finding more great people to include in my community.

And I freaking love a good dinner party! Good job!

[Kim/hormone-colored days]

I've been menaing to add to my blogroll. Will stop back and press my nose against your windows to see who shows up to the party.

[Don Mills Diva]

I think this is a brilliant idea - count me in!

[Mamasphere]

Thank goodness we have the whole month- I have a short list in my head, but trying to break through the mommy brain to articulate in coherant terms WHY they rock is going to take time!

[Velveteen Mind - Megan]

I'm thinking the BOOBS need to have a blogging dinner party live on our podcast! Who'd like to call in to that muth? Anyone? Maybe a complementing chat room?

And, yes, we could all be drunk while we are on the air. I don't see why not.

[ali]

love this idea!

but..only ten??? i would need at least 50!!

[schmutzie]

I'm here and will do!

[Linda S aka linneyshvede]

Great idea! I can't wait, and if we can still braid each other's hair, I'm cool with that too...

[San Diego Momma]

Perfect idea, Auds.
This will be healing!

[texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana]

I am in as long as I can have it virtually catered. I am not even good at virtually cooking. Sounds like a ton of fun and I am going to have trouble with the limit of 10 as well...BUT I can do it. I can do it. I can do it.

Great idea. Love it.

[foolery]

I'm still fuzzy on the "how" but I'm in. I think I may have to see how someone else handles it, first. I've always really stunk at following directions but I'm a GREAT follower. :)

Great idea, Auds!

[moosh in indy.]

Totally. I'm making the baguettes now.

[Mr Lady]

Oh, thank god I have the rest of the month. I was totally not ready today!

[Hip_M0M]

I can invite ANY blogger, right? Wow. There's so many to choose from but thinking that this may be a regular event takes a bit of the pressure off.

[Annie]

I love this idea - I'm only just poking my head back into the blogging world (and what a time to do it?!!)

I have to tell ya though - 'snog' is a british word for a great big slobbery kiss - just in case you have some confused guests turnin' up at this dinner party :)

[Bec (Bad Mummy)]

Great idea!

Sadly, I don't think I even "know" 10 bloggers! :lol:

[Patrice]

This is genius. I love it! I so admire you bloggy people who are creative enough to come up with this stuff. I will definitely have to come join! I just have to figure out if I have enough (any) bloggy friends to invite!
Thank you so much for the advice and encouraging words you left on my blog.. it was much needed and much appreciated! I love your blog, I think you're hilarious! Thanks for the bloggy love :)

[Heather B.]

Thank you for the invite. I'm in.

[alice]

I, too, am in. Because I do anything that Heather B. does.

[Chicky Chicky Baby]

Ooh! Dinner party? I love dinner parties. There's usually wine. And some food, too, but more importantly - wine.

Great idea! I'll give this some thought.

[Carrie]

Perfect idea! I'll get to work (mentally at leat) on my dinner part list right away and of course, what I'll serve. Oh, the pressure! Salad course, soup course, main cousre, wine and most importantly . . . dessert! ;) Like you said, it's all about community!

[Angela]

I just plucked my brows. In other words? In.

[Rachael]

What a fantabulous idea!!! I am madly working away on my invite list, and can't wait to meet everyone else at what I think will most definitely be the party of the year!

Gotta go get a mani and pedi, and of course shop for the perfect outfit!

And as I told Dana, who already invited me, I will be brining French Martinis for all - I make a mean one and am happy to share my recipe!

Seriously Auds, genius idea!

[Hip_M0M]

Am I missing something? Where did Mr. Linky go? I swear he was around here somewhere.

[Dana]

Auds, I almost forgot to come back and tell you, of course, you're on my invite list!

[Hip_M0M]

Here's my invite list:
http://is.gd/1mkq

[Hip_M0M]

Here's my invite list and post on the party:
http://is.gd/1mkq>You're Invited to My Virtual Dinner Party!

[Backpacking Dad]

Totally going to do this.

Totally making pancakes for 10.

[Andrea]

I'm in, but let me get my shite together first.

[AmyInOhio]

The hardest part will me narrowing it down to ten!

Great idea.

[Deb@Bird On A Wire]

totally frickin awesome idea lady! I linked back to you, but my party plans are far from finalized. Wish me luck!

[Headless Mom]

Fun idea Auds! I'm really excited to read all of the lists. I will take some time to really think about who to invite, and why.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Big Hair Envy]

I LOVE this idea!! It will take me a while to figure out who to invite, what to serve, and OF COURSE what to wear:)

[Jen E]

Oh I love parties!

Here's my invite list / write up / begging people to attend-fest

[Andrea]

Okay, my post is up, and the Mr. Linky thing looked like it worked okay, but here's the link anyway in case it doesn't: http://littlebalddoctors.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/party-of-eleven-youre-table-is-available/

Thanks! This was fun, but will be more fun when I start clicking around.

[MrsWaltz]

All right, Auds. Here you go. It was way easier than I thought it would be:

Dinner In Exile

[MrsWaltz]

Dinner In Exile

[bejewell]

Am I missing something? Is Velveteen Mind having a dinner party for her boobs?

[bejewell]

Done, and done. I really can't wait to start clicking around to everyone else's. I've already found a couple of new ones from Andrea and Waltz.

[Mama Kalila]

Sounds like fun... I'm glad we have time though becuase things are crazy here.

[Jody]

Wow my dinner party planning took me Ages this am to post. Then apparently I posted one blogger of interest Twice LOL.

Mmm so I now will reread what I'm suppose to do lol. I'm so lost!

http://jodybabycatcher.blogspot.com/2008/08/were-having-party.html

[Steph]

It's done. At last. http://quirkyblogger.com/2008/08/15/being-in-my-head/

[Michelle]

Oh I love this idea. Saw it over on AllMediocre (yay!). However, I have a few posts that I NEEEED to get out in the next few days and then I'm headed out of town. SO. The post is written as of now, but it won't be posted until early next week, and I can't link until it's posted. Odds that I'll remember? Yeah, that's what I thought, too. But I swear, it's scheduled!

[The Yummy Mummy Cooks Gourmet]

Okay, I totally thought this was a real dinner party up until two minutes ago. I'm an idiot.

Still, count me in. No dishes to wash.

[Stephanie]

WOW> I did it and it took a lot out of me. I try to keep blogging simple for myself and that was exhausting. LOL. I so wanted to invite more but it would have taken me weeks. Thanks for the GREAT idea to let people know why I love them.

[Stella-Mountain Momma]

GREAT idea! I love it!

Love your blog!!

[Michelle]

Ok, my dinner party is happening! I'm linked up but ummm it's not happening until Monday. And I'm headed out of town tomorrow morning. So you'll get an error message until then, but I promise there will be lampshades on heads and people swinging from chandeliers Monday night!

I love this idea!

[Cassie]

Great idea! I found your blog through All Mediocre, and have enjoyed reading through some of your posts :)

[Kate]

Oops! I just realized that I put my blog url in the Mr. Linky field instead of the link to my actual post. Here it is: http://www.thebigpieceofcake.com/2008/08/im-having-party-and-everyones-invited_17.html

I think this may be the best party I've ever hosted - although that might depend on who my crashers are...

[Christina]

I posted, and I think your linky thing worked!

[Christina]

Neat idea! I did mine today as well!

[bananas]

best idea ever. seriously.

[Kathy]

This was a fantastically fun thing to do (not to mention a lot of work) Thanks for making me think of nice things to say about 10 people. I should do this more often, It put me in a good mood.

[KD @ A Bit Squirrelly]

Okay so Shit...I am so behind. Is this still going on? UGG I HATE when I get behind in my reader! xoxo

[Mama Kalila]

I actually almost forgot to link back here lol. Oops!

[Headless Mom]

Mine will be up later this week. All that linking and writing has my head SPINNING!

[dani]

what fun! I have a guest list
http://www.thekitchenplayground.com/2008/and-now-for-a-virtual-dinner-party/

[Rachael]

Great idea! Just posted my link and hope you'll stop by for a cocktail and some good old fashioned New England summer fare! I had a great time planning my party! AND, it just happens to coincide with the fact that my next post is my 100th!

[schmutzie]

I drew up my invite list. It was hard to pick just ten people!
http://www.schmutzie.com/2008/08/this-website-is-five-years-old.html

[KD @ A Bit Squirrelly]

I FINALLY DID IT!! I know. I suck. But I did it. Do you still love me?

[Steph @ Problem Solvin' Mom]

Loving this idea, sorry it took me so long to get my butt in gear! I heard about this from Megan @ Velveteen Mind, and am so glad I did!

cheers!

[Headless Mom]

I'm a little late-but perfect for the long weekend!

[Carrie]

I FIALLY did mine. Better late than never, eh? :)

[Stacy]

Excellent! Good post. Thank you for sharing. Here's an article I wrote you may find helpful: http://foodpartyplanning.com/dinner-party-planning

Enjoy! Cheers.

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[Werner]

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[send flowers to Kuwait]

Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one

[Magnetic Generator]

Dinner parties are always good fun.