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

[rfrench.livejournal.com]

Potlucks here come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them exercise so much control that they want you to register what type of dish you're bringing ahead of time. Or local block party says things like "last name A-F, main dish; G-P, appetizer; Q-Z, desert". I end up avoiding the block party as a result. Other potlucks are more like what you're describing - show off something you're good at cooking, bring whatever you want, etc. I usually bring chips & salsa from Trader Joe's :-)

[aliceinfinland.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, that sort of thing is totally irritating. From each according to their inclination, to each according to their needs, and it will all come out in the wash. Trader Joe's dips are awesome.