Today is our 4th Annual Oktoberfest. I noticed that Danielle Bean is having hers this same day. I’m pretty sure we started doing ours after seeing an article she wrote for Faith and Family many years ago about her fest. I had no idea who she was four years ago (future patron saint of Catholic domesticity and laughter), so I felt it safe to shamelessly copycat.
Here’s tonight’s Speisekarte. Everything, except the cucumber salad, can be made well in advance, frozen, and reheated. That’s how I’ve managed to effortlessly (ha!) host 80 to 120 people at my home (half of these people are under the age of 12, so it’s really not that big of a deal – honest). This year is the first time I’ve been down to the wire, and neither my cucumber salad nor my potato salad is done yet (potatoes are boiled, though). Sleep…rest…these things can wait until next week!
Bratwurst, boiled in beer and then grilled to perfection
Frankfurters, aka hot dogs, for the kids who don’t like bratwurst (all my kids love bratwurst, though)
Sauerkraut, from a can!
For dessert, we’re having:
Brownies
Of course, of interest to the majority of the male guests is the beer: Spaten Oktoberfest, which we did manage to find after a few frustrating days. And to complete the beer hall aura, we have available apple schnapps, pear schnapps, Jaegermeister, and this rapberry liquor which is really yummy.
Traditionally, the Oktoberfest ends the first weekend in October, which is next weekend. There’s plenty of time to throw together an impromptu party if you are so inclined. Go ahead and copycat!
Reit This Way 
Have a great party!
Sounds REALLY yummy. I looked at the recipes and I’m salivating. LOL
Thanks so much for the recipe links. My oldest turns 18 at the end of the month and I thought an Oktoberfest party sounded like great fun. That was until my husband declared “no alcohol” at a party with 18 yo boys (we’re having his friends and their parents). So now I either trash the Oktoberfest idea or come up with some fun non-alcoholic drink choices.
Wow! That sounds wonderful! Enjoy (I am realizing I know no German words to leave on the comments, I’m sorry)
Hmm..don’t think I have the energy to copycat. Can I just have your leftovers :)?
Sounds like a lot of fun!