Desperate Non-Housewife

[cjsmith]

How did I get myself into this?

In two and a half weeks I'm hosting anywhere from thirty to sixty people (RSVP percentage is still low). There will be a lot of "walk around and talk to people" going on as I do not own anywhere near that many chairs. The start time is advertised as 7pm. I have NOT specified pot luck, and it's a bit late to change my tune. There will be wine. That much I know how to do.

WHAT DO I FEED THESE PEOPLE?

I do not "cook". I can make a basic meal, but it ain't party food, and in general it will impress no one. Plus I'd like to be able to enjoy myself; last time I "cooked" for guests I spent all day and evening in the kitchen and merely heard rumors later that others had had a good time. So I'm looking for something requiring no or little or simple preparation, and something that can be fully prepared well ahead of time.

- They'll be mingling and carrying both food and drink. Finger foods?
- Some may arrive as early as 7. Something substantial?
- It'll go on all evening. Foods not requiring heat or chilling?
- There are a LOT of people. Foods I can distribute over several tables throughout the place?

Any ideas meeting these basic criteria are very welcome. :)

edit: Likely closer to 30 people. If all our maybes and nonresponders show, we get 40; if our nonresponders all bring guests, 50 tops.
edit2: The party was billed as an "informal gathering", holiday, no gifts.

Comments

[lisa-marli.livejournal.com]

Lets see, pulling out the con party simple stuff list. Most of this can be bought at Costco - Some can also be found at Smart and Final. Pre-made cheese trays, spreadable cheese tubs, bree (baked or other wise), humus (Costco has a great combo pack), spinach dip, pita, sour dough bread (pre sliced), crackers, veggie trays, extra baby carrots. Got More Budget, Sushi and deli (meat) trays. If you do the meat trays include a nice mustard or two, and mayonnaise (tricky, but can be put on ice).
All those frozen appetizer goodies in the frozen section. Pop them in the oven and set the timer.
I also like Shrimp (shell off, tail on) from Race Street Fish. Though any of those quality Grocery Stores should have good shrimp. Serve on ice with a good Shrimp dipping sauce (Race Street has those too).
And Dim Sum is fun (best gotten frozen from Ranch 99 or Lyons Grocery store). You will need a Bamboo Steamer, but they don't require much attention. Don't get Pot Stickers, those are tricky and need watching. The Buns and Shumai are very easy.
That should keep you busy.
Plastic is your friend. Do Not use Paper Plates, either use the real stuff or heavy duty plastic. Paper falls apart.
Enjoy! Don't work too hard!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Ooo, con party experience! That's excellent! Thanks for all the many many ideas. Y'know, it never would have occurred to me to look for shrimp or sushi because I can't eat seafood. Huh. My GUESTS might be able to.