Food and drink for event- help!

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Sorry if this is obvious to some but we haven’t really hosted big events before. We are planning our sons christening and are doing a reception in a village hall. We need to provide all food and drink and aren’t sure of how much.

There will be 45 adults and 10 kids. We are planning on some sandwich platters from Costco, some crisps, salads, pork pies, coleslaw etc. any ideas to add to this welcome! Can’t do hot food but maybe cold pizza?

Main thing is drinks. Our families are big drinkers and we don’t know how much to provide. Reception will be 1-4pm. We were thinking of bottles of beer and Prosecco for after the ceremony and then for after…? More of the same? Wine? Gin in a tin or gin and mixers for people to make their own? We won’t have a bar as such so it would be help yourself.

How much of each thing?? Aaah I hate organising things.

Drinks wise if you have a Majestic warehouse near you they will take unopened booze back afterwards ( they also have a drinks calculator on their website) and free glasses hire. Other places may offer something similar of course so it’s worth shopping around but our local store is always really helpful.

Some people are saying they've not been to a christening with alcohol- I've never been to one without! I'd work out approx amount of drinkers (some will be driving) and then do half a bottle a person/3 beers then add a few bottles of both! Less red wine but would have bubbly and still wine.

I agree sunflower - every christening I have attended has alcohol .. don't you always 'raise a toast' to the baby? Or maybe it's just the circle I mix in?

I've never eaten pork pie with mustard!

Ask, in advance, some of the attendees to help you sort out the food and drink on the day. If you need beer and wine to be cold, use plastic boxes or flexi tubs with ice (buy bags from a supermarket) and water in to chill and keep them cold. There's probably a fridge at the village hall and depending on when you can get in, you could take things there before the christening service.

If you have time, you might want to consider getting someone to do the catering. Takes the pressure off you and means you can get the food delivered when you need it.

I would stay away from the fizz as it adds extra expense. A reasonable white wine, red wine and some bottles of beer - Pimms is a nice extra if you like it BUT does need extra equipment and time to mix and serve it with ice, fruit, cucumber, etc.
Then of course soft drinks and hot drinks. Is the hall well stocked with glassware, cup and saucers, etc? If not, as pp have said, it maybe cheaper and a much more enjoyable experience for you if you looked into caterers. Often village/ church halls can recommend somebody for a buffet. Then, you would only need to sort drinks.