What food would be your go-to for a Christmas party 50+ people open house style

[Ginevra]

Me again, the party incompetent, asking the board extroverts how to do a party. I am not opposed to ordering some staple food (i.e., deli platter or a bunch of fried chicken or a big ham) but I can't afford to fully cater the event. I'm also a little stumped because of open house style; I don't want food that should be hot growing ever-colder such that late comers have nothing yummy left to select.

 

I do not want to ask people to sign up/bring a dish and I am on the fence about saying they *may* if they wish. (IOW, if I say, "I am providing all food and drinks, but if you *wish* to bring a dish to share, you may," probably a lot of this group of people will feel they must do so, which is not what I want.) I want people to come enjoy themselves and not have this be ONE MORE DANG THING they have to do before Christmas, kwim? Another aspect of this issue is that some people are vegan or GF and I both want to provide options for them but also don't want anyone to feel they *shouldn't* bring special food for themselves if they wish.

 

One last small matter is: another mom who did this party before for this same group of people told me some people extremely far overstayed their welcome into the midnight hours. I would like to discourage this somehow but I don't know how I would have night owls realize that they are hours beyond the end of the party as stated on the invitation and -ahem! - let's get a move on because, did you notice my family has all gone to bed and I am wearing my fuzzy pants and slippers? 😠Is there any way to politely suggest that the festivities have ended and here's your coat! So glad you enjoyed the evening SO much you didn't want it to end!

 

Ha. I wasn't born with the gene of festivities, but man, I try.

Edited October 18, 2017 by Quill

[prairiewindmomma]

I'd word the invitation as a "holiday open house", and give stated hours of 7-9pm.  At 7pm, at least here, it's a signal that dinner will not be served, but that I can expect a mix of appetizers.

 

As far as how to handle the food safety issues, what about offering a charcuterie board in addition to some bread goods and sweets? I've seen amazing table long ones done on brown paper: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/254523816421394999/  You can adjust the cost of the meal by carefully limiting expensive items by putting them into small bowls, while offering a huge variety of crackers, fruits, veg & dips.  If you place tiered sweets on the same table, it will also help it feel fuller. 

Edited October 18, 2017 by kbeal

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

One option is to have the party at 4pm as an "appetizers party".  Make it clear the party if rom 4-7pm, and "heavy appetizers" will be served.  AKA, NO MEAL!  This will get people to leave eventually.  

 

Then you can make up lots of appetizers and trays, and then have a "hot chocolate bar" and cookies on a sweets table.  

 

If you want a full dinner party with a meal, and people are staying too late, I honestly don't see what's wrong with, "Well, we'd love to spend more time with you, but we're early risers and need to head to bed.  Let's get together again after the holidays."  And then just stand there, don't sit down again, or they won't believe you.  

[marbel]

I'd word the invitation as a "holiday open house", and give stated hours of 7-9pm.  At 7pm, at least here, it's a signal that dinner will not be served, but that I can expect a mix of appetizers.

 

<snip>

 

This is what I have done.  I also try to word the invitation so it's obvious that dinner is not served.  "Cocktail open house" or something like that.  I never remember what I do from year to year.

 

As for what to serve, we usually do a large meat/cheese board, but I don't bring everything out at once.  Periodically through the evening I swing by the table and look to see what needs replenishing.  That also helps keep certain types of people from eating it all up.  You know the ones, who see a big platter of shrimp and cocktail sauce and will take way too many at once.  If people see a smaller platter, they tend to moderate themselves better.   So I might start the evening setting out 1/2 of what I plan to offer, with the other half ready to go in the fridge.  I tend to stay away from serving more than one hot thing, just because I don't want to be in the hot kitchen cooking during the party.  Sausage bits in puff pastry, or sausage bits simmered in wine, are easy.  Hm, I guess we like sausage.  

 

Mini-quiches from Costco (or other) are good too. 

 

Also, my experience tells me you are right that if you tell people they may bring food but are not required to, many/most will interpret that as "bring food."  I don't say anything about bringing food, and if people ask I say something like "if you feel like bringing some finger food, sure, but I'd be happy for  you to just show up empty-handed."  I actually prefer it when people don't bring anything, or just bring something to drink. I avoid food that requires utensils but sure enough someone will bring, say, a cheesecake or pie, and I have to start rummaging for enough forks, etc.  With close friends I might say "If it's convenient can you bring [special item they make that I like and that fits what I'm serving.]"  

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestions! Keep 'em coming. As I read along, I do think it's a good idea to not plan to feed dinner, but say something like, "I will be serving a variety of delicious appetizers and treats, including a few vegan and GF options." Also thinking of 7-9 as the times, or maybe 7-10. (But I'm kind of afraid of 10! Because that was the end time the other lady had!) I do think it's important to actually say it is NOT a full meal because I have seen people come hungry to a 7:00 party and eat 48 meatballs in ten minutes. Thankfully, not at my house. But I have witnessed it.

 

I also really love the idea of having smaller servings offer but fresh offerings waiting hidden.

[ktgrok]

For food for a Christmas party I like a ham, served cold with nice buns and some fancy mustards and such for sandwiches. Festive, but can be kept cold versus hot. Some other appetizers, cheese tray, crackers, olives, etc. Those fancy potato chips...Terra brand. Nut mix, chex mix. Christmas cookies. Pies. Eggnog, wine, etc. And coffee...decaf and regular if possible. 

 

You can put "Open House from 7pm-10pm" on the invitation, and start clearing the food and offering plates of left overs to people when it is time to go. 

[Laurie4b]

One last small matter is: another mom who did this party before for this same group of people told me some people extremely far overstayed their welcome into the midnight hours. I would like to discourage this somehow but I don't know how I would have night owls realize that they are hours beyond the end of the party as stated on the invitation and -ahem! - let's get a move on because, did you notice my family has all gone to bed and I am wearing my fuzzy pants and slippers? 😠Is there any way to politely suggest that the festivities have ended and here's your coat! So glad you enjoyed the evening SO much you didn't want it to end!

 

 

 

Well my husband had an uncle who used to say to his wife, "Ernestine, we need to get to bed so these good people can get home!" 

 

Sorry, not much help!

[medawyn]

This year I'm having the party catered, because I'll be 35 weeks pregnant, and I just.can't.face.it.  

 

But in year's past, I have served mini rolls with a platter of sliced turkey, roast beef, mustard and cranberry sauces, and sliced cheeses.  A cheese tray, a veggie and dip tray, and a fruit tray.  If I'm feeling ambitious, mini quiches or similar.  A tray of dessert things (cookies or brownies or truffles).

 

I think the key is to have enough food to feel hospitable but not so much that people linger all night.  If the food runs out and the alcohol slows down, people leave.  My biggest problem is actually DH, who often urges people preparing to leave to stay longer.  He's an extroverted night owl, and I'm an introverted lark.  We make it work, but I always have to remind him that I don't mind hosting, but I do mind the evening not ending when it should.  

[Guest]

Well my husband had an uncle who used to say to his wife, "Ernestine, we need to get to bed so these good people can get home!"

 

Sorry, not much help!

What if there were a type of chair that becomes uncomfortable after a certain number of hours? Like, it has a little refrigerator component and starts to get cold on a timer? Or it secretes some dampness from pore-like structures so it starts to feel like a sweaty chair? 😆

[FriedClams]

Big loads of crock pot food - vegetarian chili (cheaper that way, and you can freeze leftovers), chicken and dumplings, etc. I'd use small bowls to manage portions, then lots of finger foods.

[Sara in AZ]

We do a neighborhood open house every year. Last year I bought party trays from a local Mexican place. The trays were filled with mini chimichangas and burritos and came with guac and chips. I did rice and beans in crockpots on my own to go with it, and my kids helped make a bunch of treats. The trays got eaten up before they sat out too long, and I had extras warming in the oven to replace them with. It worked out great, and I think I’ll do the same thing again this year.

[Laurie4b]

What if there were a type of chair that becomes uncomfortable after a certain number of hours? Like, it has a little refrigerator component and starts to get cold on a timer? Or it secretes some dampness from pore-like structures so it starts to feel like a sweaty chair? 😆

 

You can always turn the heat up or down depending on how guests are dressed. Gradually increase lighting. People linger longer when it's subdued lighting. That's easier if you have the lighting where you can adjust the knobs, but if not, turning on the kitchen lights full up and starting to clean up affects the lighting elsewhere and gives people an additional hint. Some will stay and help. The rest will tend to skeedaddle!

[SparklyUnicorn]

I admire your bravery.

 

or maybe I'm concerned about your sanity.... :laugh:

 

Although admittedly I would LOVE to do such a thing, but only for the aspect of creating the food (not cuz I'd give a rat's but about socializing with 50 people). 

 

 

[happi duck]

Y'all are scaring me! I'm a night owl and if the host continues to be happily chatting, offering drinks etc. I will assume I'm welcome to stay!

 

At my home, I love when a couple people stay later and we can have a more personal visit.

 

Please don't think badly of people who stay while just *hoping* they'll go. Please say something!

[importswim]

I would not advertise that you'll have GF and vegan options, I'd just have them. I'm following a vegan diet (haven't gotten to the point where I call myself vegan yet. HA!) and would just go and see if there was anything I could have. I don't expect people to make special things for me (so I'd probably eat a small dinner beforehand). 

 

I think if you advertise it the expectation would probably be of a few dishes of each kind. If you don't advertise it then the surprise of actual eating options would be delightful!

 

I'm not sure if I'm making sense, but thought I'd add to the discussion!

[Guest]

Y'all are scaring me! I'm a night owl and if the host continues to be happily chatting, offering drinks etc. I will assume I'm welcome to stay!

 

At my home, I love when a couple people stay later and we can have a more personal visit.

 

Please don't think badly of people who stay while just *hoping* they'll go. Please say something!

Well, you bring up an interesting point, happi. I have noticed this before with some events. The host words things in a way that seems like they are very unbothered, very casual, etc. But then some guests interpret that differently than the host really meant and they over-extend on the generosity othe host. And then the host is internally actually a bit annoyed.

 

So, for example: Susie says, "There's no such thing as late! I know you are all busy and I just want you to come when you can! Please stop by whenever it's convenient!" And then what actually happens, much to Susie's surprise, is a group of people arrive at ten till ten. And Susie's thinking, "Well, man! I didn't mean come when the party is actually ending!" But she is a gracious host so she says, "Oh, Lola and Mary! And Jenni! I thought the evening would go by without you! So happy you could finally make it after all!" So then Lola and Mary and Jenni think, "Oh, good! She's not bothered at all! Guess we'll hang around for a while!"

 

Truthfully, it is one reason I want to be clear that this party does actually have an end and it's not midnight. Because I'd rather nip it in the bud then have a group of ladies who think my end time is meaningless. I love to have people over but it does wear on me after a while and when I'm ready to be done, I'm really ready.

[kewb]

You have to be clear on the invite that you are setting an end time.  Something along the lines of how you wish you could party all night but turn into a pumpkin at 10pm. 

As for go to food:

Crudite and dip

Tomato and mozerella salad

crackers and cheese

Hummus and pita slices

Chips and salsa/guacamole

 

I like not having to cook for a crowd.  I prefer platter and out appetizers.

Edited October 18, 2017 by kewb

[Janeway]

You are so over thinking this.

 

I would offer finger foods. I would not announce vegan or GF options if advance. You could let people know if anything if vegan or GF. I like to know the contents of dishes just because I don't care for meats or seafood, but that is my choice and on me. You could label the choices if you wish, at the meal. GF won't matter much because if someone actually has celiac, they cannot have foods just made without gluten but touched gluten or used something that was used in touching gluten. SO, if someone used tongs from a gluten dish on the gluten free dish, it would not be ok for someone with Celiac Disease. Generally, if someone is on a special diet, they will provide for themselves. They are used to this and it is a life style they live with. And this is ok. And to be honest, when I was a vegetarian, I would get embarrassed if someone went out of their way to make special food for me. And it made me feel obligated to eat it even if I did not want to. So now, when I entertain, while I do try to offer things I know everyone can eat, I do feel offended if anyone shows up and then demands special foods. The one time that happened (it was a relative) I said "that is too bad, but I am finishing this according to the recipe, you are free to not eat this one dish."

[Clear Creek]

My husband is a pastor, and I have somehow fallen into the trap of hosting a holiday open house every year. I usually put out a hot cocoa bar, coffee, and punch for drinks. The only hot food I serve is something that can be kept warm in a crock pot. Other than that it is all appetizers or treats that I can prepare ahead of time like cookies, fudge, chex mix, a cheese ball and crackers, etc. I agree with the suggestion to only put out a part of what you have, otherwise people will treat it like a meal. Also, set out small plates! They will fill up the plates, no matter the size, so go small! Lol.

 

As far as discouraging people to not stay past the ending time, one year my husband announced the open house hours from the pulpit. He said it was from 7-10 (or whatever the hours) and followed that with informing the congregation that at 10:30 his pants come off and he gets comfortable, and they don't want to be there to see that. They got the hint, lol.

[JudoMom]

I would put the 9:00 end time on the invite, so that way when people stay later (I think it's inevitable, and not a bad thing, but it can be exhausting), it might curb how late they stay.  But in my mind I would prepare myself to host until midnight, that way I'm relieved if it doesn't happen instead of irritated when it does (even if I think spending time with people is a good thing).

 

[Cosmos]

Truthfully, it is one reason I want to be clear that this party does actually have an end and it's not midnight. Because I'd rather nip it in the bud then have a group of ladies who think my end time is meaningless. I love to have people over but it does wear on me after a while and when I'm ready to be done, I'm really ready.

 

I think both hosts and guests have a responsibility in communicating here. If the host has listed an end time, the guests should assume that's when it's time to head out. But if it seems like the hosts are happy to have the party go on, I think it would be fine for a guest to say, "Hey, I notice it's getting pretty late? Should we head out now or . . . ?" At that point, the host has a responsibility to speak the truth. You can't say, "Oh it's no problem. I love having you here" and expect the guests to know you really mean, "YES. GO HOME NOW." You have to say, "It's been great, but it is time to wrap things up."

 

Being clear doesn't mean you are being impolite.

[FaithManor]

Do it either 2-4 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. which should be a signal not to expect a meal. You could also say, desserts, coffee, tea, and hot spiced cider provided or whatever.

 

If you keep it to a cheese ball and crackers, celery and carrot sticks with some dip, and some cakes and brownies or cookies and brownies, it will be a LOT more manageable.

 

At 9 p.m., if you have guests milling about, you say something rather loudly with a smile along the lines of, "Thanks so much everyone for coming. DH and I need to begin the clean up work so we can get to bed at a decent hour. We sure are glad you came, but if you could let yourselves out we would really appreciate it." Anyone with a plate or cup still in hand, go get it. "Could I have your plate please? Thanks!" Bring the garbage bag into the living room and start picking up, don't be chatty. Refrain from being chatty. You and yours begin SERIOUSLY cleaning. Usually most people will take the hint. Then at 9:20, assign bouncer duty to dh where he simply goes up to people and brings them their coats.

 

As you an see, having done the event planning thing for a few years, I've learned some tricks! The coat thing always tends to work. We started that 5 minutes before the absolute stop time when the venues expected us to begin packing up decorations. 

[bibliophile]

If you want to go the passive aggressive route, perhaps you can have a discussion with a extroverted friend ahead of time. At the designated party end time, she could loudly announce her exit, do a round of hugs and “good-byes†and “it’s-getting-so-lates.†Maybe it will cause people to glance at the time and follow her out the door. Or maybe not.

 

In my experiences, most people leave parties after the first person makes their way out. But, there are always people that overstay.

[Lori D.]

Thanks for the suggestions! Keep 'em coming. As I read along, I do think it's a good idea to not plan to feed dinner, but say something like, "I will be serving a variety of delicious appetizers and treats, including a few vegan and GF options." Also thinking of 7-9 as the times, or maybe 7-10. (But I'm kind of afraid of 10! Because that was the end time the other lady had!) I do think it's important to actually say it is NOT a full meal because I have seen people come hungry to a 7:00 party and eat 48 meatballs in ten minutes. Thankfully, not at my house. But I have witnessed it.

 

I also really love the idea of having smaller servings offer but fresh offerings waiting hidden.

 

Invitation wording: "Please join us for an after-dinner holiday open house from 7-9:30pm! Small snacks and dessert will be available buffet style."

 

And at 9:30, start putting away all left-over food, start handing out coats, and turn off house lights in rooms to shepherd everyone toward the front door: "Thanks for coming. This has been great! We have to get up early tomorrow so we need to wind this party down now, but hopefully we'll see you all elsewhere over the holidays." Everyone gone by your drop-dead end time of 10pm.

Edited October 18, 2017 by Lori D.

[Carrie12345]

I don't read 7pm as "not dinner".  It seems very dinner-timey to me, even though my family tends to eat earlier.  I guess I see it as grown up dinner time.  I do think that reading "snacks" would alert me to the fact that it's not dinner.  "Appetizers" would confuse me. Appetizers come before dinner.

[Guest]

I don't read 7pm as "not dinner". It seems very dinner-timey to me, even though my family tends to eat earlier. I guess I see it as grown up dinner time. I do think that reading "snacks" would alert me to the fact that it's not dinner. "Appetizers" would confuse me. Appetizers come before dinner.

Well, that is why I think it needs to be said specifically, because I have seen it left as a hint where people came ready to eat a meal. But - hmmm. I don't really like "snacks," because that sounds to me like a bowl of chips and dip and some shrivelled raw veggies. I do take pride in providing some really good food and I do want people to be really pleased with the food; that's part of the whole gratification for me altogether. I like to provide people with delicious, appealing, homemade food. :)

 

Hmm...

[FaithManor]

Well, that is why I think it needs to be said specifically, because I have seen it left as a hint where people came ready to eat a meal. But - hmmm. I don't really like "snacks," because that sounds to me like a bowl of chips and dip and some shrivelled raw veggies. I do take pride in providing some really good food and I do want people to be really pleased with the food; that's part of the whole gratification for me altogether. I like to provide people with delicious, appealing, homemade food. :)

 

Hmm..

It is very much okay to spell it out. That isn't offensive or uncouth in any way. It is a good thing.

 

If you want to do something yummy and simple, you could do a baked potato bar. I have done them before. I borrow my mom's roasting pan, get a bunch of nice potatoes, pierce them, wrap them in foil, and then let them roast all day. I do a crockpot of broccoli soup and one of turkey and wild rice out, sour cream, finely diced veggies like red and yellow peppers, diced ham, bacon bits, vegan sour cream and butter for those that prefer this, plus regular sour cream and butter - all clearly marked - salsa, lots of nice toppings that will cover a variety of diets. It is mealish, but without the trappings and distress of cooking a lot of heavy food for a large group. Usually I also put a really nice chef salad out with two cream based dressings, and two vinegarette based ones.

 

I did that once for 45 people at a 4H event. No complaints. The roasting pan was so nice because it kept the potatoes warm and moist for the entire two hours, and the crock pots just needed to be stirred once in a while. I used cups for the soups instead of bowls so I would not have to keep huge amounts of soup back in the kitchen for constantly refilling the pots. It gave me less to babysit so that I could talk with people.

[scrapbookbuzz]

One word: caterer.

[medawyn]

I don't read 7pm as "not dinner". It seems very dinner-timey to me, even though my family tends to eat earlier. I guess I see it as grown up dinner time. I do think that reading "snacks" would alert me to the fact that it's not dinner. "Appetizers" would confuse me. Appetizers come before dinner.

I would read either "open house" or "cocktails" as not-dinner unless otherwise specified.

 

That said, I like to start my cocktail parties at 6, bc it gives people enough time to get home from work but leaves people time to go out to dinner (which is something I might do if I've gone to the trouble of hiring a sitter).

[Guest]

Just a PS.: I don't think I can say "cocktails," because IIRC, there was no alcohol served when this group convened before and I think it is somewhat taboo for some/many who would attend.

 

And I can't have it catered; it will not make sense and will be too expensive.

[marbel]

I think both hosts and guests have a responsibility in communicating here. If the host has listed an end time, the guests should assume that's when it's time to head out. But if it seems like the hosts are happy to have the party go on, I think it would be fine for a guest to say, "Hey, I notice it's getting pretty late? Should we head out now or . . . ?" At that point, the host has a responsibility to speak the truth. You can't say, "Oh it's no problem. I love having you here" and expect the guests to know you really mean, "YES. GO HOME NOW." You have to say, "It's been great, but it is time to wrap things up."

 

Being clear doesn't mean you are being impolite.

 

Hmm... I think that can put the  hosts in an uncomfortable position. By asking, I think the guest is implying that they would like to stay longer.  The host may feel like they have to say "oh no, can't you stay a little longer?" The guests should keep in mind the end time, and leave around then.  Or, if there is no stated end time, be aware of other people leaving, and follow suit shortly after.  If the guests start making movements to leave but hosts want them to stay longer, they can say something like "oh, I know the invitation said 9pm, but can't you stay a little longer? We hardly got to talk."  And then the guests can stay, but leave within, hmm, 15-20 minutes or so.  

[FaithManor]

Quill, if you are trying to do something elegant, you could rent a couple of roaster pans on stands with those pretty stainless lids that always look so nice at expensive weddings. They cost around $7.50 each to rent locally for a weekend. You could move soups to roasters as well to make it look nicer than crock pots, or you can use colored foil, sometimes available at the holidays, to surround the crock pot sides, and then tie with a metallic ribbon bow. It's festive and looks like a big effort was made even when serving simple foods.

[FaithManor]

LOL, Quill this community is so conservative that if I put "cocktails" on an invitation, we'd be instantly branded as wild alcoholics! I don't blame you for avoiding that wording.

[Guest]

Hmm... I think that can put the hosts in an uncomfortable position. By asking, I think the guest is implying that they would like to stay longer. The host may feel like they have to say "oh no, can't you stay a little longer?" The guests should keep in mind the end time, and leave around then. Or, if there is no stated end time, be aware of other people leaving, and follow suit shortly after. If the guests start making movements to leave but hosts want them to stay longer, they can say something like "oh, I know the invitation said 9pm, but can't you stay a little longer? We hardly got to talk." And then the guests can stay, but leave within, hmm, 15-20 minutes or so.

Right, I agree. I really can't think of any situation where it would not be gauche of the guests to stay hours later than the invitation stated, yet I would be uncomfortable ever giving away that I am kind of done with people being here and want them to go. So if they asked or indicated that they want to hang around longer, I would fall asleep on the floor before I would utter the words, "Yeah, you should probably mosey on out of here now." ðŸ˜

[FaithManor]

Right, I agree. I really can't think of any situation where it would not be gauche of the guests to stay hours later than the invitation stated, yet I would be uncomfortable ever giving away that I am kind of done with people being here and want them to go. So if they asked or indicated that they want to hang around longer, I would fall asleep on the floor before I would utter the words, "Yeah, you should probably mosey on out of here now." ðŸ˜

Quill, this is when you start "snoring" so loud that they can't visit over top of you. Insert some nasal whistling as well, and stay close to their feet so you can drop some drool. That last one is probably the real kicker that will send them running for the door.

 

:biggrinjester:

[goldberry]

We do a neighborhood open house every year. Last year I bought party trays from a local Mexican place. The trays were filled with mini chimichangas and burritos and came with guac and chips. I did rice and beans in crockpots on my own to go with it, and my kids helped make a bunch of treats. The trays got eaten up before they sat out too long, and I had extras warming in the oven to replace them with. It worked out great, and I think I’ll do the same thing again this year.

 

 

YUM!!!

[Annie G]

In my neck of the woods, a party in the evening that doesn't include dinner is usually called 'heavy appetizers' on the invite.   I love the suggestions you've received to point out to guests that it's time to leave. Cleaning up, announcing that you have to be up early...all good ideas. 

 

Two popular heavy appetizers here are slices of baked ham on little rolls and slices of beef tenderloin with mustards or horseradish to dip them in. Usually parties here have two meats, a few other substantial sides, and traditional stuff like veggie tray, etc. 

 

50 people is too many for this introvert. Kudos to you for taking this on. 

[Lori D.]

... I don't really like "snacks,"...

 

"Please join us for an after-dinner holiday open house from 7-9:30pm! Light appetizers and dessert will be available buffet style."

[sassenach]

To signal the end- music off, lights up, start cleaning. Ask if they’re done eating or drinking “that†and then throw the plates/cups away if they say yes. Package up food. If they’re really dense, you can say, “I hate to kick you out, but I need to start getting ready for bed. Thanks so much for coming!â€

 

Food: rolls, meat and cheese trays, meatballs in crockpots, veggie trays...

[Happy]

​You've gotten good advice! I'm a control person so I usually won't let anyone else bring food. What if they didn't show up?!?!?!

 

I love cold shrimp as an appetizer because it can be cooked the day before and refrigerated until needed. For the past few years, I've served it as mini appetizers....in shot glasses. Put a squirt of cocktail sauce in the bottom and place the shrimp in 'head' first. I use real shot glasses I purchased just for this, but you can find plastic appetizer containers that size on Amazon. Plates of the shot glass shrimp can be stacked in the fridge and brought out slowly through the evening. Always a big hit at our house. By the way, I use Alton Brown's shrimp recipe to cook.

 

If you have access to one of those three crock pot thingies (three small crocks in one heating element.) You can fill one with white queso from Costco and the other two with beef or chicken tamales--also from Costco. I cut the tamales in half so they are more of an appetizer serving. Guests take a tamale and a spoon full of queso---mmmmmm....

 

Meatballs in a sauce in a crockpot are always yummy.  

 

Lots of fun snacks--party mix, dips with fun crackers, etc. 

 

Desserts! It's fun to do lots of fun desserts. 

 

 

 

 

[Guest]

"Please join us for an after-dinner holiday open house from 7-9:30pm! Light appetizers and dessert will be available buffet style."

I like that! I like "after-dinner" and "light appetizers" (or even heavy appetizers, because it's not chips and a veggie tray). This is good.

[Tap]

I put my end time, 30 minutes before I really want it to end.  So, if I want a clear house by 930, I put 9pm on the invite.  At 9pm, I turn up the lights, I start clearing tables and cleaning up. A great signal that the part is over, is to get out the vacuum and set in in the room where people are lingering.  LOL I find there are two types of people...those who will pitch in and help with the cleaning.  And those who will see the cleaning start up...and run.  

 

If you get desperate and have a lingering person.... as you are chatting, stand up, grab their coat and walk them to the door.  Unless it is really cold or rainy outside, walk them to their car with their coat in your hand.  When you find a break in the conversation, hand them their coat, say goodnight and "boy its chilly out here," and walk away. LOL    I used to hostess a lot of parties in my twenties.  This trick served me well many times. 

Edited October 18, 2017 by Tap

[marbel]

Instead of appetizers, you can say hors d'oeuvres.  They mean the same thing, I guess, but "appetizers" does sort of imply "getting ready for more food to come."

 

But, now I'm getting confused.You are talking about an after-dinner thing but in the OP mentioned deli platter, fried chicken, big ham.  Don't serve dinner food.  Because if you do this again, people are going to remember that Quill said appetizers but she really served dinner, and a fine dinner it was so... want to be hungry when we get there.  

 

[Guest]

Instead of appetizers, you can say hors d'oeuvres. They mean the same thing, I guess, but "appetizers" does sort of imply "getting ready for more food to come."

 

But, now I'm getting confused.You are talking about an after-dinner thing but in the OP mentioned deli platter, fried chicken, big ham. Don't serve dinner food. Because if you do this again, people are going to remember that Quill said appetizers but she really served dinner, and a fine dinner it was so... want to be hungry when we get there.

Right but in the OP, I had not decided on that yet. It wasn't until the first several posters suggested appetizers and desserts that I started to think, okay, that sounds like a good idea. At first, I was planning for it to be full meal of food, but I am not sure how to manage that.

 

So, if I do say "after-dinner" and "appetizers," I definitely will not buy a ham or 40 pieces of chicken.

 

The lady who did it before truly did have a huge spread of full "come hungry" food, because of a fluke that made the catering no charge to her. So that is one worry if I am not clear because some people will remember she had a full spread of entirely catered meal food. I think my aim is to hit the sweet spot between truly bare-bones snacks and cookies (which is not what I want) and enormous trays of chicken dishes, pasta dishes, roast beef, vegan whatever, a cake, etc., (which I cannot afford and which isn't really fun for me anyway). I want to make some food and I want some of it to be different things and homemade things they don't just have any ol' place anyway. I want people to be happy they came.

[Lori D.]

...I want to make some food and I want some of it to be different things and homemade things they don't just have any ol' place anyway. I want people to be happy they came.

 

That sounds fun! :)

 

And I 100% with the previous posters who said to divide up your food, and you come by about an hour into the event and re-stock, so it prevents one person from snarfing up ALL your food. :)

[Guest]

That sounds fun! :)

 

And I 100% with the previous posters who said to divide up your food, and you come by about an hour into the event and re-stock, so it prevents one person from snarfing up ALL your food. :)

Yes, I agree. That is a GREAT idea and I may use it forevermore.

[SamanthaCarter]

Good advice, I did want to mention though that I usually interpret the "heavy hors d'oeuvres" line to mean you can make a meal out of it. So if you have to run from work to the party, no big deal. I might phrase the invitation "after-dinner tapas and desserts."

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited October 19, 2017 by SamanthaCarter

[Happy]

I saw an invite today that promised 'light bites'. 

I thought it was a fun way to say nibbles or appetizers. 

[bibiche]

I'd do hot passed hors d'oeuvres and hire some young adults to help in the kitchen and serve. You can prepare everything in advance, they can pop it into the oven as needed. That way you will actually get to spend time with your guests.

[Bootsie]

I like that! I like "after-dinner" and "light appetizers" (or even heavy appetizers, because it's not chips and a veggie tray). This is good.

If I were doing something after dinner--I would do a dessert buffet.  You could still serve cheese and crackers and other non-sweet desserts.  The words "after-dinner" and "appetizer" don't seem to go together to me.