Need Ideas for taking my own food to a catered meal

[Stargazer2]

On December 10th, we are going to a catered Christmas meal to which we have been invited by the local bishop (my husband and I both for a United Methodist conference, though I am not UM). It just occurred to me this morning that there might not be anything there for me to eat, so I went to see the bishop's secretary, who showed me the menu, and confirmed that there is absolutely nothing on the menu that I can eat, even if I was a cooked food-eating vegan. All dishes are cooked, and all involve animal products in one form or another. :(

There appears to be no problem with me bringing my own food; the secretary says she will just ask for a seat for me, and not include me in the head count for the meal itself. This will be a four course meal, with salad first, then soup, followed by the main course and then dessert. I have never encountered this before, and I do not want to be rude. The bishop is new to our area; she is a very nice woman, and I think would be very understanding; I'm just not sure how to be "smooth" with this; I don't want to be juggling tupperware at the table. Anxiety level is rising..... :eek:

If anyone has any ideas to offer, I would appreciate it!

Peace,
Valerie

[glad_2beme]

this happens to my dad all of the time, here is what they do...set up prior to the evening, the kitchen is aware that something different will be served to this person. So my mom takes his food in to the kitchen, and when served they bring him a different plate than other people. It has never been a problem for them and they go to functions all of the time! Good luck