Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 21:41     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Anonymous wrote:I like the idea of the pulled chicken/pulled pork sandwiches with the meat in crockpots. Some soft brioche rolls and some with sesame seeds, pre sliced of course. Different bbq sauces for people to add. A vinegary purple cabbage slaw. A Green salad. Baked Mac and cheese or another hearty side if you can keep it warm.

And assorted mini desserts (mini brownies, blondies, small cookies, etc).


I’d much rather have pizza from a good local place than mystery meat in a crock pot.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 21:24     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
I like the idea of the pulled chicken/pulled pork sandwiches with the meat in crockpots. Some soft brioche rolls and some with sesame seeds, pre sliced of course. Different bbq sauces for people to add. A vinegary purple cabbage slaw. A Green salad. Baked Mac and cheese or another hearty side if you can keep it warm.

And assorted mini desserts (mini brownies, blondies, small cookies, etc).
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 21:09     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Anonymous wrote:It’s not bad but feels a little 10 yo birthday party.

I would skip the pizza and opt for pulled pork or bbq chicken or brisket and rolls. Do it all in a couple crock pots to make it easy. Maybe a crock of green beans.

For the apps I’d skip Mac and cheese bites and add something not fried- chicken wings or meatballs or bacon wrapped scallops perhaps? Even shrimp cocktail. Maybe offer a couple different sauces for the wings. Have a box of veggie wings in the freezer just in case. Fried apps aren’t good once cold and with 30 people they’ll be cold.

Ditch the veggie platter for grilled veggie skewers or pasta salad with veg.

Throw in a bag of regular chips and dip.

I’d also offer dessert. Cookies or brownies maybe. Smores if fire is involved.

If this is an all night party order pizza later to sober them back up.



This.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 21:07     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
What is your DH’s rank? And the ranks of the guests?
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:41     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Open house implies people are trickling throughout the day, no?

So you'll need a large catering tray type dish that stays warm.
Go with a BBQ or easy to eat ziti.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:41     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Can you pick up some veggie sushi from Sam’s or restaurant?
No pizza.
Offer hummus as an alternative next to the ranch dressing
Fresh salsa and tortilla chips
Wine is good, some bottles of craft beer, sake, maybe la croix and gin
Fresh fruit is a good add.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:40     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Please have water for those who don't drink alcohol or soda. With all that salty food you're serving, I'm going to want water.

Also, you didn't say if this open house is happening during lunch time or not, but if it's like, 2-6pm, nobody is expecting a meal.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:37     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Ditch the cheesy hot apps and maybe go for some side salads.

Mozzarella sticks usually get gross, cold, congealed, and greasy extremely fast. Same with things like mac and cheese bites.

Plus you already have pizza and dips--this is a very cheese/dairy heavy menu.

Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:35     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Anonymous wrote:Instead of one of the hot appetizers, get garlic knots to go with your pizza.

Maybe add a salad--doesn't have to be fancy, just basic green salad with some dressing options.

Bread to go with bread?
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 20:34     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Make sure a stray vegan can throw together 600 calories of something or other.


I don't think it is the responsibility of the host to cater to vegans.


I am the OP and I am actually a vegetarian…so the menu is a bit skewed towards non meat eaters.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 19:55     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Anonymous wrote:Make sure a stray vegan can throw together 600 calories of something or other.


I don't think it is the responsibility of the host to cater to vegans.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 19:25     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Menu is fine, but it’s hard to keep some of those warm and fresh, like mozzarella sticks. Even pizza gets cold fast
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 19:17     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Make sure a stray vegan can throw together 600 calories of something or other.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 19:15     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
Instead of one of the hot appetizers, get garlic knots to go with your pizza.

Maybe add a salad--doesn't have to be fancy, just basic green salad with some dressing options.
Anonymous
Post 01/25/2025 19:08     Subject: Throwing first large get together - critique my menu
If I came to your party with your proposed menu, I’d be very happy! And congrats on the house!