hosting a party - logistics and menu help, please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh gosh, DCUM is so weird sometimes. A party for 25 isn't that big a deal.

I think you have to first decide if you want a sit down - you set places and people either choose or are assigned a place to sit. Maybe something more casual - a buffet, people can sit or stand or mingle or nibble as they choose is your goal.

For buffet, set up two areas - one of food, and one for drinks. Set it with napkins, silverware, plates at one end. For drinks, put cups and ice by the drinks. Often we put drinks on a side table, or possibly outside with a cooler.

Brunch is easy - buy or make some quiches - those are easy to have in advance and substantial. Then you could do a couple of breakfast casseroles, a fruit salad, juices, plus muffins and sweets.

Dinner - you could do some large meat option, like a turkey or a roast or ham, slice it up ,and have rolls for sandwiches. Then some appetizers, a cheese plate and a veggie platter, and a dessert table. Lots of other types of options - taco bar, pasta bar (different pastas/sauces), BBQ, etc etc. think through what you think might work and then post her for more specific ideas.

No to the dinner choices this is an engagement party not a tacky friends over party. No

[Anonymous]

OP do brunch it will be easier.

Dinner you should not do unless you cater it.

[Anonymous]

Do you have relatives coming who would be happy to bring sides or pick up a cake? That will help a lot. How do you feel about a casual cookout where you grill some stuff and people serve themselves buffet style? That would be easier to pull off than something more formal.

[Anonymous]

I’d do a buffet. A couple sushi platters, ham or beef tenderloin, charcuterie, dips, potato or pasta salad, a salad and dessert. I’d personally hire a bartender or helper of some sorts, maybe a friend or relative could help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP do brunch it will be easier.

Dinner you should not do unless you cater it.

It’s casual dinner.
It’s not brain surgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to host a casual engagement party for my niece. I would expect about 25 people.

My house is about 2000sf - the dining room seats 10, another 4-6 can sit at kitchen table and there are couches/chairs in family and living rooms and an outdoor patio seating area. I think this will provide enough places for people to sit when eating, but please advise if you think otherwise.

I am debating between a brunch and an evening buffett meal. The evening seems more festive but the brunch feels less overwhelming to execute. Thoughts?

I’d love menu suggestions for either plan. My goal is a mix of homemade and purchased items.

Thanks for advice and tips - I am an inexperienced entertainer but dearly love my niece and want to celebrate her and her partner.

OP, your niece and her partner are lucky to have you. Your warmth will come through in your hosting. I would do a brunch. Agree that make ahead breakfast casseroles, fruit salad, quiche, mimosas, etc is a good menu. Put notes on the table where you want food placed so people can help as the party is starting without having to ask for direction. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make it dinner buffet.
Grill three different kinds of protein.
Roast three kinds of veggies.
Include few kind of breads and desserts and some drinks.
Relax and enjoy.

Some variation of this is the way to go. I've provided food for up to 80 people without it being catered (that was pretty hard though, and I had relatives helping-- it was Indian kebab and a huge hit). You could prepare ahead salads, roasted vegetables, and rice (or a rice salad). You could do kebabs that will still be good at room temperature. A huge baked or grilled salmon goes a long way to feeding people and is pretty easy prep. You could find a place that does empanadas or something else like spanakopita to round out the salmon. Middle Eastern is also a way to go where you could make some of it yourself (NYT shwarma recipe that you make) but you buy pita, hummus, other spreads etc. You could order trays of baklava from online sources (MidEast Delite --that's not quite the name-- is excellent).

[Anonymous]

No to sit down food. Do lots of easy to eat apps. station food throughout the space to allow people to move around. Encourage people to be able to mingle. Salad size plates, napkins, utensils, (at least 3 per person) toothpicks in several locations. Lots of serving utensils.
3 or 4 different charcuterie platters with meats, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, pickled things. Several of the following: Ham biscuits, pimento cheese with crostini, chicken salad, cocktail meatballs (not full size), cut up vegetables, cut fruit, brushetta, egg rolls, empanadas, smoked salmon, spinach artichoke dip, shrimp. mini cupcakes, mousse cups, bite-size cheesecake.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

I think brunch will be easier to make festive and nice. Champagne, mimosas, and wine. A nice fruit tray, cheese and crackers, a baked egg dish. Candied bacon. Could do a honey baked ham. A salad with orange segments and goat cheese. Cake and some individual desserts (cream puffs, petit fours, brownie bites).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think brunch will be easier to make festive and nice. Champagne, mimosas, and wine. A nice fruit tray, cheese and crackers, a baked egg dish. Candied bacon. Could do a honey baked ham. A salad with orange segments and goat cheese. Cake and some individual desserts (cream puffs, petit fours, brownie bites).

You can also do mini quiches, mini croissants (Whole foods has great ones you just thaw and bake).

[Anonymous]

If its timed for summer-just do a fun, casual bbq. With that small of an invite list-guessing its mostly family & close friends. Make it one less of the more formal events of their engagement years and just let everyone relax and celebrate the happiness of the upcoming marriage and not stress about what to wear. I’d do dinner and maybe even schedule for late afternoon on a Sunday so it stays to about 3 hours as people don’t want a late night then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If its timed for summer-just do a fun, casual bbq. With that small of an invite list-guessing its mostly family & close friends. Make it one less of the more formal events of their engagement years and just let everyone relax and celebrate the happiness of the upcoming marriage and not stress about what to wear. I’d do dinner and maybe even schedule for late afternoon on a Sunday so it stays to about 3 hours as people don’t want a late night then.

Agree but hate Sunday get together.