Finger food for 60 people

[Kimmyh]

Good luck with your decision kezza.

[kezza]

It has come to light that there could be an engagement! One DS has been with his girlfriend 11 years (can't rush these things!) and I think the time is nigh!  DS and girlfriend were over the other night and we were watching a movie about a guy who wouldn't pop the question to his girlfriend of 4 years because of his parent's bitter divorce and DS's girlfriend called out "Try 11 years d...head"   We all burst out laughing.

[Yvette]

Hilarious Kezza hope he pops the question 

[cookie1]

I hope he comes good Kezza. 

[judydawn]

If it's not an engagement announcement Kezza, it could well be a termination of relationship.  He sounds as if he is under pressure at the moment. 

I too would have the party catered, life is too short to put ourselves under stress. 

[Cuilidh]

Have you thought about doing it the "old fashioned" way and asking each couple to bring a plate (a bit of co-ordination is required here, though)?  This is absolutely no reflection on your abilities to feed so many, but that way everyone has at least one dish that they like and it takes so much pressure off you so you can relax and enjoy the evening.

You could always make a couple of extra special dishes, of course, but I think it has a much more personal feel if everyone has contributed - and it is always a great compliment when you praise each guest individually to show your appreciation for their extra effort to make the evening a success.

[Kimmyh]

That's a great idea marina.
That poor girl kezza. I thought my 6 year wait was long enough. She deserves a whopper of a ring for her patience.

[chrissa]

I catered a birthday for myself a few years ago.  It started with a group of 15 or so and I decided to just do finger food.  However by the time the party came around DH had kept inviting friends and it turned into about 80 guests.

It was winter so most of the food had to be warmed up.

My poor oven just couldn't keep up with demand.  My mum and SIL had to stay in t kitchen trying to keep trays full and a constant stream of food coming out.  You wouldn't make it out the door and the tray would be empty and the poor guests at the other end of the yard would miss out.

My advice - if it was up to about 25 guests, no problem but for a crowd of 60 definitely get the caterers in.

[judydawn]

What a stressful night Chrissa.

[kezza]

Well I have decided to do it myself.  A kind friend has offered 2 pie warmers which will help considerably and I have a few helpers.  I am going to pay a couple of nice lads to be the waiters.  So far I think I will do JD's mushroom & feta tarts, Michelle's thai chicken sausage rolls, pork san choy bow (served in little lettuce cups), probably buy some sushi, arancini balls and a curry and rice served in bowls for something a bit more substantial and another vege dish.  Not sure if the boys actually want a cake yet, so will do raspberry cheesecake brownies and lemon tarts for dessert.  Figure a lot can be done in advance with this menu, so fingers crossed.

[courton]

Sounds good to me. I found the cooking part relatively easy and satisfying but if I was doing it again I would pay someone to do the waitressing so that I can enjoy the party. So you have made the right decision!

[Katiej]

Sounds like a great plan. The waiters on the night will be a great help.
Can't wait to hear how it goes.

[gertbysea]

Good plan.

Gert

[Itsnotartitsdinner]

Sounds great!

[astarra]

Look forward to hearing how it goes Kezza.