I don't know about your analogy

You don't agree with the analogy or you don't understand it?

but one of the joys of being hosted for dinner or snacks and drinks is that I don't need to think about it.

Is this how you order at a restaurant: "Just bring me whatever, I don't want to think about it." It's a joy to have someone who wants to know what will make you happy, and wants to deliver it.

no open ended questions

Agreed for the most part: depending on the guests I will offer several options. Still if the question "What do you enjoy eating as a special treat" makes you feel uneasy, I would respect you and not ask.

And remember, the most important thing is...

No advice needed on hosting guests. But thank you.

people would be fine opening a bag of chips with whole foods pico de gallo and guac, maybe some grapes and a veggie tray.

My Foie Gras eating guests would much rather be eating fatty goose liver. I do hope you enjoy fatty goose liver, since I'm not allowed to ask you, and I'm not depriving the rest of my guests something special because I may suspect - it's impolite to ask - you might not like it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

No, don't do this, this is annoying. Do your interesting thing and they'll think it's lovely.

I second this. All the questions ARE annoying. Don't be annoying.

It’s annoying and shows a lack of confidence. Also, no one should expect a host to be a short order cook. If they don’t love the apps you provide, no biggie - it’s not the last time they’ll eat.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Trader Joe’s especially excels at Asian small bites. Don’t know if they still carry it but they used to sell a lemongrass chicken tiny egg roll type thing that was awesome. TJ and your air fryer — perfect together. Their chicken samosas are also awesome.

I would love these with some warm saké as a bit of novelty

Really ??? Better be prepared for the result (i.e. have an adequate supply of cleaners and disinfectants on hand).

What in the world do you imagine is going to happen if people drink saké?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

No, don't do this, this is annoying. Do your interesting thing and they'll think it's lovely.

I second this. All the questions ARE annoying. Don't be annoying.

Ok, wow. This sounds sincere. So if your guests would find "All the questions" annoying, simply ask "what apps would you prefer"? This is just good hosting: serve people what they enjoy based on their preferences.

Food is sex. Is sex better when people guess what you want? Or is sex better when people communicate with you to know your preference, knowing exactly what you want and how you want it? The answer is obviously the latter for those of us who enjoy food and sex.

I don't know about your analogy, but one of the joys of being hosted for dinner or snacks and drinks is that I don't need to think about it. Please ask if anyone has any allergies or strong food aversions, but no open ended questions!

And remember, the most important thing is a relaxed host so don't try too hard. That's always my downfall. I try to be too fancy when people would be fine opening a bag of chips with whole foods pico de gallo and guac, maybe some grapes and a veggie tray.

I would not cook food for co-workers. You could have it catered in your home though. We do this occasionally (not my preferred mode of entertainment) but only for very close friends/family. Our home is our private sanctuary and we like to keep home and work seperate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

No, don't do this, this is annoying. Do your interesting thing and they'll think it's lovely.

I second this. All the questions ARE annoying. Don't be annoying.

Ok, wow. This sounds sincere. So if your guests would find "All the questions" annoying, simply ask "what apps would you prefer"? This is just good hosting: serve people what they enjoy based on their preferences.

Food is sex. Is sex better when people guess what you want? Or is sex better when people communicate with you to know your preference, knowing exactly what you want and how you want it? The answer is obviously the latter for those of us who enjoy food and sex.

How about spanish tapas? Almonds, olives, pon con tomate, manchego cheese, prosciutto, a warm tapa or two. Mushrooms are easy to make ahead. Lots of recipes out there.

Maybe make some sangria which is fun and mostly made of wine.

Anonymous wrote:I would order a mezze platter from Leb Tav or buy (Trader Joe’s) hummus, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, etc. For the paired cocktail I’d make pomegranate margaritas or prosecco topped with pom juice and some pomegranate arils.

With just 4 people I don’t think I would plan an elaborate cocktail. It’s possible nobody would want it and people like different things. I’d have some supplies on hand to offer a few options (gin and tonic, martini) but even then you will have to make those to order which kind of defeats the purpose of casual happy hour. I think wine and beer is fine! people (unless they are hard drinkers) do not really expect cocktails at a small after work gathering.

I would order a mezze platter from Leb Tav or buy (Trader Joe’s) hummus, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, etc. For the paired cocktail I’d make pomegranate margaritas or prosecco topped with pom juice and some pomegranate arils.

Its going to be great, OP. The fact that you are putting some thought in the food and drinks...that is really more than most people will do.