Disposable plates at a holiday drop-in?

[Anonymous]

We're holding a holiday drop in this year. I'm expecting that all told approx 85 will come through.

I'm going to be serving mostly appetizers, platters, dessert bars, etc (nothing too heavy).

Do you think it's okay to use disposable plates that are holiday themed or is that totally tacky? I don't own enough plates for everyone who is coming so I would need to rent.

Let me know what you think.

[Anonymous]

I think I wouldn’t want to wash 100 plates.

[Anonymous]

Of course, its fine

[Anonymous]

With that many people (or a lot less) I’d definitely use paper or plastic plates and wouldn’t give it a second thought!

[Anonymous]

I do a big holiday party around your size and used real dishes for the first few years and then decided it was too much. Disposable plates are fine, people just want to get together. I get nice/pretty ones and matching napkins. Last year I looked at the bamboo/biodegradable ones which are a little sturdier (but ended up sticking with the paper).

Alternately, you could look into renting them from a catering company or something but I haven't tried that myself.

[Anonymous]

You’d be insane not to

[Anonymous]

I think that would be expected. I would look for sturdier ones. There are plenty of options.

[Anonymous]

People cannot look a gift horse in the mouth.

[Anonymous]

I might not do holiday themed paper ones. There are nice, disposable bamboo. Or plastic that almost seem like real plates. I have no problem with disposable at all! But some of the paper ones are SO cheap and you'll be disappointed.

[Anonymous]

NOT TACKY.

[Anonymous]

I hate paper plates. I would absolutely use them for this.

[Anonymous]

Paper plates. Get the nice sturdy ones.

[Anonymous]

I can't believe this is a question. Of course you use disposable plates.

We use disposable plates (SHOCK!) at Thanksgiving. Makes life so much easier.

[Anonymous]

Yes but get the sturdy ones not the dollartree ones.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all of your advice.

Just to give you context - I haven't hosted a large-scale drop in before...just smaller get togethers where I used actual plates. That's why I was asking.

Thanks to those who pointed out I should look for higher quality bamboo and not worry about Xmas themed plates. I have used your advice and looked online and lol the disposable plate market is much wider and more attractive-looking than i'd imagined.

thanks again.

also - sorry, one last thing - does anyone have advice on good quality disposable cutlery. as far as serving implements, i'm fine with that - i've got a load of it.

okay and one last, last thing - as far as drinks i was already planning on renting glasses and have a good deal that includes pick up and delivery and am fine paying for it. unless ppl feel differently - i'm persuaded it's fine to have disposable plates but i'd prefer to have enough wine glasses, etc for ppl to drink from.