Spin-off from another thread. Go there if you want details on the history of why I created this thread. Suffice it to say, since the Burns Supper in Tokyo is just too pricey for my budget, many have given me the excellent suggestion of holding my own. I love the idea! But where do I start?

What's involved in putting together a Burns supper? I've never been to one. All's I know is that there's haggis (which I LOVE) and Burns poetry recitation. Aside from that, I'm pretty ignorant.

I've been thinking about whether this should be a closed event (for me and my friends) or an open one, where we would book a venue, offer out tickets to the community at large. I'm open to both options. A closed, private affair would be dead easy. My friends and I (usually around 12 of us or so) frequently hold themed parties at our house. Those are usually pot-luck and everyone brings something related to the theme... In fact, we're having a Swedish-themed party this Sunday, where we get to enjoy TONS of delicious Swedish treats -- everything from meatballs and Lingonberry jam to Spendrups beer and Aquavit, and have Swedish music going on while we sit on the IKEA furniture. (Yeah, stereotypical I know... But a lotta fun!) After that, (next in the themed party lineup, are: a Greek party, a Cinco de Mayo party)...

An open, community event would be interesting too. Only thing is, I would have to somehow take into account the Japanese factor. There would likely be many Japanese people in attendance (from personal experience with other events, I would guess about half the room) that would require translation and Japanese explanation of the proceedings. Not impossible but certainly something that I'd need to arrange well in advance. If I have an open event, I REALLY need to have my ducks in a row because there's of course the distinct possibility that I will people who are Scottish (and/or have attended Burns suppers before) attend, or even Japanese people who also have done so in the past. I wouldn't want to play the fool.

Anyway, aside from the specific regional/cultural things that I'll have to consider on my own, can anyone help put me on the right track to having a successful Burns night?

Please & thank you!