Catering at an adult birthday party?

[edgewater]

I am organising a 50th.

I am arranging catering but wonder, what would be your ideal Food spread mid evening please?

I find people like something hot and something cold. Personally I've found a good combo is a charcuterie table...or board depending on numbers....plus a hot option (2 if there are vegetarians) such as chilli or curry.

The charcuterie should be a combination of good cheeses both soft and hard, cold meats and olives, fruit and nuts etc....breads and crackers/biscuits.

Sweet options...I don't really know what's better than chocolate cake/icecream.

Agree with pp, massive cheese boards, crackers, chutneys etc. Or make it a bit more ploughman’s by serving with chunks of fresh crusty bread.
Do you have facilities to heat food? Will people be able to sit to eat or will it be a standing affair?

Either a mix of curries/chilli/pasta sauces if hot buffet , or a centre piece like cooked ham, poached salmon , hog roast with side salads, slaw, breads etc

In Scotland the standard options that are offered on occasions by venues are macaroni cheese and stovies and oatcakes.

Has to be some quiche!

Plenty of bread and butter, good meats, plenty for vegetarians, sausage rolls and lots of cheese straws and dips.