<p>I’ve mentioned this on other threads, but we did all desserts: all finger foods and we included fruit and cheese platters for something of more substance. You can make the desserts yourself and freeze them ahead of time, rely on a restaurant supply or warehouse store, or do a combination.</p>
<p>Around here you can figure that there are other full-meal open houses on the same day, so people liked this change of pace.</p>
<p>D and many of her friends are vegetarians or pescatarians and some things that were hits at her parties were baked brie with pepper jelly, vegetarian samosas, mini crab cakes, mini quiches, spring rolls, hummus, and bruschetta</p>
<p>I am having a housewarming party in a few weeks and I am not sure what to do for food… I’m doing an open house style thing where people can just stop by any time between 1-5… so I kind of need food that will be ready to serve all day… any suggestions for something like that? I’m thinking something in a crock pot would probably work best… I’d like it to be relatively inexpensive… Not necessarily cheap, but I don’t want to be grilling steaks for everyone either. :)</p>
<p>Wow, so many classy, fancy ideas! You’re all outdoing me for sure.</p>
<p>No kitchen at our party site. We’re bringing salad and homemade cupcakes, and ordering in pizzas. 
And would probably do the same if the site did have a kitchen, cuz I’m feeling lazy like that!</p>
<p>@fendergirl: A crock pot can be a good serving dish for a layered casserole; e.g., lasagne or chicken enchiladas. Maybe that would work for you?</p>
<p>Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. are a great source for appetizers. That is where I got everything served at D’s get togethers. They just pop in the oven for a few minutes. She didn’t have a large graduation party, but I think I would go the salad/fruit/cheese route with something like lasagne (both vegetarian and meat variety).</p>
<p>I’m overwhelmed by all these ideas. We don’t have a big budget. Thinking we’ll do the same as you, cartera45 (BJ’s for apps, lasagna–easy to make ahead). Maybe we’ll get those heating things that keep the food warm.</p>
<p>One thing I’ve done – made a big poster w/logos from all the colleges son’s friends (& son) are attending w/“good luck” on it. Will put it out at party.</p>
<p>The current plan is to do a sandwich and salad buffet. Instead of buying pricey deli meats I’ll roast the meats myself. One of the grocery stores here recently had whole turkey breasts on sale for under $1.00 a pound. I bought several since most people seem to like turkey. I’ll also keep my eyes open for roast beef on sale and anything else along those lines. Breads and cheeses will be bought at Sam’s Club. Cooking the meats several days ahead and then slicing the night before should be fine. The problem I’m having is that we could end up with as few as 30 or many more. </p>
<p>Recently my mother started decorating cakes as a hobby. I’m putting her on cupcake detail.</p>
<p>I’m also throwing a party. Too late to have second thoughts.
Some guests are kosher; some are vegetarians; some are described as “not fond of ethnic food,” whatever they mean by that; it’s not clear, since one group’s exotic food is another group’s everyday fare. And of, course, the guests are ethnically very diverse!</p>
<p>Wow, Marite, what are you going to serve? Iceberg lettuce?</p>
<p>Maybe potluck is in order for that group.</p>
<p>No potluck possible because they’re from out of town. Don’t tempt me with the iceberg lettuce suggestion! ;)</p>
<p>Don’t forget that the vegans won’t eat cheese.</p>
<p>Oh, dear! Somehow, I don’t think I can substitute tofu for brie in the Silver Palate recipe for linguine, basil, brie and tomato 
Besides, even in its original version, it sounds to me like an “ethnic” recipe. Will have to rack my brain some more. At least, I know I should not be serving hot dogs and hamburgers, pulled pork, seafood, chicken, ham, turkey.</p>
<p>Iceberg lettuce is still on the menu. :)</p>
<p>Wow marite, I think I am serving to the same crowd.</p>
<p>we just locked and loaded this am on burgers and dogs…cupcakes and brownies, chips and salsa and veggies and dips… simple simple simple…65 kids and 45 adults give or take… 3 families… wish us luck…</p>
<p>Marite,
Ahem.
Tough love is in order! This is NOT about them.
A pasta/vegetable/vinaigrette salad for the vegetarians and the kosher folks. Put out some chick peas and feta on the side for people to add for protein, but the non-ethnics can skip those “weird” things
Then whatever else you want to serve and the kids will like.
It’s probably not as easy as that, I know. But that’s my suggestion!</p>
<p>mafool:</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I need to straighten my spine!
When I touted the virtues of diversity, I was not thinking of culinary diversity. :)</p>
<p>yes, and it is very easy, from my very safe vantage point, to tell you what to do! :)</p>
<p>We usually do the deli from the chain grocery store-platters of cold cuts, cheeses, vegis and dip platter. Many of D’s friends are vegetarians (like herself) We will order vegi-wrap platters, probably a fruit salad & some rolls for the cold cuts & maybe pasta salad. We do order the cake from the grocery store as well, D#3 may choose a photograph of herself to put on the cake if she likes! We also have beer & wine for the adults. It will be picked up prior to the graduation which starts at 10:00 AM on a Saturday. The Buffet Lunch we serve at 1:00 PM to coincide with the arrival of our guests. </p>
<p>As we are limited to how many may attend the high school graduation, family members will pitch in to get everything ready while we are at the graduation, which works out very well! I have four sister-in-laws who are always willing to help & two D’s out of college.</p>
<p>That sounds great - and like a good time - I’m getting nostalgic for last year and all the graduation festivities.</p>