Neighborhood holiday party food ideas?

[Anonymous]

I bought my house 1.5 years ago and last year hosted the 1st "annual" neighborhood block party. I had it outside in my backyard with a hot chocolate bar (with alcohol to mix in for the adults), hot cider, and people brought cookies. The intent was to eat some cookies and also do an exchange and bring some home. We had several fire pits in the backyard and the kids played on the play set. We had a few little apps I think but not a lot. Everyone seemed to have a really good time and were really thankful to get to know the neighbors more We've made several new friends due to having this party AND learned a neighbor's parent's dog had puppies.....we have a dog now lol.

This year I'd still like to have some cookies and a hot chocolate bar because that was widely popular with all but I'd like to have a potluck dinner too and set up my basement for the kids to watch a G-rated holiday movie when it gets dark so adults who still want to hang can sit around the fire. I will probably hire the teen girls next door to supervise the littles in the basement.

Potluck:

Should I do crockpot chili?? Something else? I don't want to make anything too expensive because it needs to be enough to serve around probably 50+ people. Would you divide up what to bring by last name?

I'm making invites soonish.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

One of the benefits of chili is that you can set some aside before adding meat, and with beans, it's a good vegetarian option.

Had you thought about white chili (chicken with white beans, lots of veg)? Not for the chili purist, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the benefits of chili is that you can set some aside before adding meat, and with beans, it's a good vegetarian option.

Had you thought about white chili (chicken with white beans, lots of veg)? Not for the chili purist, though. [/quote

White chicken chili could be delish!

[Anonymous]

We did something similar for a few years, but in October. Between my slow cooker and two large stovetop pots I made three different chilis (traditional meat, vegetarian, and a white chicken chili).

Had a whole slew of topping options from plain pasta for those who wanted it Cincinnati style to corn chips, jalapeños and everything else.

It was super easy. Guests could bring sides or cookies or drinks or whatever but for us it was a success.

[Anonymous]

We do a soup night. Everyone brings a different hearty soup in a crockpot, with vegetarian and vegan options. Host provides one soup, sides and dessert.

[Anonymous]

I love the idea of a hot cocoa bar plus the cookies. It’s a nice tradition. But I would take this opportunity to turn the potluck into a chili cook off contest. Have your neighbors who are attending enter their favorite chili recipe with their own crockpot. Those who maybe don’t have the time or interest in cooking can bring sides like corn bread, tortilla chips, or can pick up toppings like prepackaged diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream. As the host you can round out things with a couple veggie trays and fruit platters. Buy few cheap trophies from a party store you can give out for best chili and best cornbread. Let people cast their vote for favorites.