Evening christening: pre-service family gathering menu?

[Anonymous]

Hello- Our LO's baptism is being held the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday at 7 pm. Since this is prime "witching hour" and she'll be up past her bedtime, a celebration dinner is out of the question. It's the tradition of the church we attend to have it in the evening.

I am considering having a family-only gathering at our place before the service (5:00) so that everyone can spend some time with my 15 month old daughter and she can walk around. Going to a restaurant seems like it could be a bit stressful since we have to get to the church and you have to deal with the bill, getting everyone seated and fed. We live within 2 blocks of the church, so we can walk together as a group.

Any suggestions for a menu that is toddler friendly (since she needs to eat too and will want eveyone's food), easy to make and also good party food? Our place is small (condo) and I will have fussy toddler wrangling to do, so recommendations that work for cocktail reception style dining and can make ahead of time are much appreciated.

Thanks for your recommendations!

[Anonymous]

I think you need to make it substantial enough that people won't be hungry, since they won't have a chance for more dinner until after 8 or so.

For both my kids' pre-dedication parties (Unitarian Christening type of event), I setup a buffet table with a honey-baked spiral cut ham, some good swiss cheese, an assortment of condiments including several kinds of mustard and cornichons, and some bakery-quality sliced rolls. If it's more of an appetizer thing, you can get small rolls and that will make it hors d'oeuvre-y and eaten with your hands but still substantial enough for that time of day.

You can add more finger food, cut up fruit, even tiny cupcakes to the buffet.

[Anonymous]

great ideas...thanks so much!