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Wednesday, November 29th, 2006 06:20 pm
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.
Thursday, November 30th, 2006 03:10 pm (UTC)
These are a lot of good ideas for anyone into party holding to take notice of.

Another idea, if you want to really feed them, which I don't see used often, but I think works is catered Chinese food. We once had a local restaurant come by. Cleared away a table. They set up the sternos with 4 huge trays of fried rice, lo mein, etc. It's hot, everyone got a substantial meal and we still had leftovers. It goes a long way, and it wasn't terribly expensive. We had maybe 25 people. You discuss the menu ahead of time - many options. Just a thought.
Thursday, November 30th, 2006 05:52 pm (UTC)
Yeah, I wonder about that sort of option. I've seen catered Indian work well too. If this thing started at 6 I'd have that phone call made so fast my head would spin. :-)