Catering for at home 50th party - help

[Chocbuttonsandredwine]

Doing “open house” for birthday celebrations from 3 onwards. Have invited 20 ish people plus a few kids.

Was going to do slow roast pork, curry and spag bol along with rice and jacket potatoes plus snacks, but I’m worried this is going to be difficult to manage with people arriving at different times and staying different times.

Possibly too much food. Or not enough. I don’t want tone throwing food at people when the arrive, and would it also not be a bit odd people eating at different times? Oh ffs.

Help. Please

I would have one warm option like chilli con carne (keep it warm in a slow cooker) with Jp’s (keep them warm in the oven) and just pull them out as you need them.

Then a cold options: make your own sandwiches, so have sliced meat platter, sliced cheese platter, salad, bread rolls & sauces.

That way guest can have a choice, but it’s not too much for you.

Honestly, I would have nibbles out for people from when they start arriving at 3pm and bring out hot food (1 option only, so pork with apple sauce on rolls) at 6/7pm.

If people are just dropping in with kids from 3-5pm, they aren’t going to want a full meal at that hour and probably already have plans for dinner. A snack and drinks is fine. Bring out hot food and feed everyone at the same time for the ones who are there at dinner time. Keep it simple and also don’t feel the urge to pack people full of food.

You don't need three different hot options in addition to snacks.

Keep it simple so you can enjoy the party yourself and not be flapping in the kitchen.