Instead of a potluck, the bride and groom will provide the food. What are some popular buffet type foods which everyone will like? The party will be in the activity center building at the beach. There will be 50 people.
I can think of:
Chicken Mostacholi
Mashed Potatoes Coleslaw (maybe)
Veggie Tray Fruit tray of some kind Tossed Salad w/ dressing
Chips/drinks
It just doesn't seem like enough of a variety.
The guests will NOT be asked to bring a main food item. The guests could bring a dessert for a dessert table. Should each person bring a dessert or should that just be skipped?
What are some other foods to include? What foods do you like to have at a buffet type meal?
Any advice would be great!
Posts: 5268 | Location: The Motor City | Registered: 06-03-02
If it's at the beach, I'm assuming that it's going to be warm weather? If that's the case, I'd recommend going with a good ole bbq...
The list you mention isn't bad...but it seems to be an odd combination to me. If you're going to go with hot foods, I'd try to make it a menu vs a variety. For example...stuffed chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, one or two vegetables (i.e. squash, broccoli), rolls and a salad. Wouldn't bother with apps outside of maybe just a cheese & cracker tray. And, I'd do a cake for dessert and not have people bring anything at all.
If you do a bbq...then I would have people bring a variety of desserts.
Its a building that is at the beach. (Its located where you first drive in) Its not outside and there are no bbq grills there. People will play outside after they eat and be able to go back inside if they want more. There will be a bartender for serving the drinks and a live band. Someone from the park stays in the activity center during the party. That is why I was thinking of such a variety. The beach does have an exclusive park catering company but its really expensive. The building has 4- 6ft tables which would be perfect to set the food out. There are several round tables for eating. There is a stove, fridge, stage and bar area. It is a little walk to the "actual" beach. I'm actually trying to think of MORE of a variety than I named. Its like a indoor bbq potluck buffet! LOL
Posts: 5268 | Location: The Motor City | Registered: 06-03-02
There is nothing wrong with your combination of foods mentioned in your original post. It is actually a pretty common menu for inexpensive caterers. (And I don't mean that the way it sounds, so I hope you understand what I mean!)
Being at the beach, I would try to bring that into the theme. Here are a few menus I quickly threw together. Hopefully they will give you inspiration!
Steamed/baked clams Fish boil - whitefish, shrimp, crab, potatoes, carrots, onions BBQ or rotisserie chicken (for the non fish eaters) Green beans or Coleslaw
Barbeque Don't throw out the bbq idea just because there are no grills. Can you bring your own grill? If not, grill or broil ahead of time. You're not preparing the other food there are you? Why toss out the bbq idea then?
Fruit, cheese & cracker tray Vegetable crudite (Stick with these no matter what. They are easy, affordable and little work.)
BBQ Chicken, Sausages and Shrimp Skewers Potato Salad Cole Slaw Pasta Salad Grilled Marinated Vegetables
Picnic Never underestimate the power of cold food.
Cooled BBQ Pork Chicken Salad with Croissants Caprese Salad (Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella) Potato Salad
No Cook Picnic!
Like I said, don't ruin a good thing: Fruit, cheese & cracker tray Vegetable crudite
Mediterranean Tomato Salad
Gazpacho
Reuben Wraps Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches Egg Salad on Croissants
Couscous Cole Slaw
Clare the possibilites are endless. If you want more suggestions, I'd be happy to make them. The best party about being a caterer (to me anyway) is designing menus. It if my favorite part of the job! And if you like any of these, I can give you recipes as well.
I would suggest staying away from asking everyone to bring a dessert. If you want people to bring dessert, just ask a few people. If you ask 50 people to bring dessert, you're going to wind up with 50 people bring dessert for 10 people. Do the math! Ask a dozen or so close friends or family to bring something sweet.
I'll give you this...Catering is a lot of work. And there are a lot of things involved that people don't think of. If you're going to do this yourself, and you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I'd gladly help you out in any way I can....from advice on food transportation, quantites of food to purchase, and even temperatures you need to keep your food at for a safe, bacteria free family reception! I've catered parties from 5 to 500 people and can offer advice on just about anything you can think of!
Thanks so much! I really like the fruit, cheese and cracker tray idea. That will work. I also like Lydia's idea for the rolls. I didn't even think of that! (I love rolls at parties)
This is going to take some planning. It is for next summer. I'm trying to figure out the menu so I can figure out the price range.
quote:
I'd gladly help you out in any way I can....from advice on food transportation, quantites of food to purchase, and even temperatures you need to keep your food at for a safe, bacteria free family reception! I've catered parties from 5 to 500 people and can offer advice on just about anything you can think of!
I have that offer in print now!! I have witnesses. haha
I think I want to use sand pails for some of the entree/ food bowls and those plastic shovels for serving spoons. too cute!
Now I really have some things to think about...
Posts: 5268 | Location: The Motor City | Registered: 06-03-02
Oh yes, dont' forget rolls. They are a good, cheap filler. Actually, I know of several caterers that for all day type of picnics or barbecues, offer an all day buffet. If your party is big enough, they'll give it to you for nothing. But they will set out hot dogs, veggies, chips, fruit, cookies and leave these items out all day. The idea behind this is that people snack on these inexpensive items and when dinner comes around, aren't as hungry and don't need as much of the more expensive food items to fill up. It's a pretty good concept actually. The consumer thinks they are getting something for nothing, when in actuality, the caterer is saving some cash.
And the offer of the advice...I wasn't kidding. No need for the written contract! I've learned a lot in this business. A lot of very generous caterers have helped me and I love to pass on the advice whenever needed.
No need for the written contract! I've learned a lot in this business. A lot of very generous caterers have helped me and I love to pass on the advice whenever needed. 
