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Early evening summer party - what food and drink to serve?

11 replies

scampidoodle · 21/05/2014 21:58

The food will be served at 6 - buffet but sit down to eat.

I was planning to offer soft drinks, wine, beer and lager throughout the party, perhaps coffee after the food, but a friend assumed we'd be offering tea when people arrived, as it will still be afternoon then...

We were thinking of something very simple food-wise - chilli and rice, jackets and salad and a veggie chilli option, with a choice of 2 or 3 cold desserts. However, my mum seems to think people would want a cold buffet if it's a hot day! I definitely don't want to serve a sandwiches and vol-au-vents type buffet and to offer an enormous selection of bits as I don't really like that sort of thing and it will cost as much as a "proper" meal anyway.

Our caterer can do whatever we ask within reason, but she generally does pretty traditional food and she's very good at that. I need to tell her soon what we want.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we should serve? I'm not sure people will care too much but don't want to completely disappoint everyone!

Any ideas welcome...

Thank you.

OP posts:
justaweeone · 21/05/2014 22:04

What day us it on and what are the times?

justaweeone · 21/05/2014 22:05

Oh and is the party for a specific reason?

homebythesea · 21/05/2014 22:08

Need to know why the early start, and what type of venue?

PrincessOfChina · 21/05/2014 22:10

I wouldn't expect tea at a party unless it was dubbed Afternoon Tea or something.

Is stick with chilli tbh. A good crowd pleaser.

scampidoodle · 21/05/2014 22:18

Thanks for the responses.

Early start as lots of children coming plus people travelling longish distances and so couldn't do an evening only party. It's my 40th, in a village hall - pretty relaxed event with activities for the children.

OP posts:
scampidoodle · 21/05/2014 22:25

Forgot to say the party starts at 4.30 and is on a Saturday.

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ResponsibleAdult · 21/05/2014 22:41

Congrats on 40th. Keep it simple. 3 salads, tomatoes, mozzarella and avocado, coleslaw , green salad (kids) plus cucumber sticks and cherry toms (kids), 3 meats, baked gammon, poached salmon, sausages and sausage rolls (kids), 3 carbs, potato salad, garlic bread (kids), jacket potatoes or rice salad. You could add rolls or French stick.

3 puds, small individual tarts or pavlova or straws and cream for pud, all shop bought. Substantial, cheap, and buying bigger joint of meat or fish is always cheaper, Waitrose will lend you a fish kettle for free and whole salmon is always cheaper than fillets, fills everyone including kids. Don't do crisps, nuts and sandwiches, costs a fortune.

Have a great time.

scampidoodle · 21/05/2014 22:53

Thanks for the ideas, I'll ask about a very simple cold buffet as you suggest. I think most people know what they want rather than being so indecisive!

Also glad to hear that tea wouldn't be expected...

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JamNan · 22/05/2014 07:58

Chillis, jackets and salads is spot on.

Elderflower cordial made with sparkling water is nice on a hot day.

Strawberries or raspberries and cream or an Eton Mess for desserts.

BTW, kids love jelly.

Happy Birthday for the big 'O'! Thanks

scampidoodle · 22/05/2014 11:55

Thanks Jam.

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LeslieJohnson · 22/05/2014 13:08

Early summer party at 6!! Wow that's a very great idea to have drinks on evenings in summer..

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