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.

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).

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.

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.

Anonymous wrote:OP do brunch it will be easier.

Dinner you should not do unless you cater it.

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.