Any wedding reception pros out there??? I need some help!

[annabanana1992]

A friend has asked me to oversee her daughter's wedding reception. It will be a very simple reception with cake, punch, fruit, and mixed nuts for about 250 people. I am a little concerned about figuring out the amounts for the food and punch (the cake is taken care of) as it is the only refreshment being offered. The wedding is at 2:00 and there will be dancing which I would think would increase thirst and hunger!

 

I am looking for any and all thoughts and suggestions. :bigear: Needless to say, I want to get this right for the sake of the bride, groom and guests!

 

Thanks!

[justasque]

Nigella Lawson says "never knowingly under-cater", which is my motto.

 

I usually overbuy, but with a good idea of what I will do with the leftovers. So for example leftover apple slices can become apple sauce, leftover hoagies can become a nice strata/breakfast casserole, leftover fruit can be frozen for smoothies, leftover pbj can be put in the freezer for lunches, and so on. (Not that you'll be serving these foods, but just as an idea of what you can do.) This works better with simply prepared foods.

 

I also think a variety is better than more of the same. So instead of 50 ham sandwiches, you could do 10 each of ham, pbj, turkey, egg salad, and cream cheese/jam. That way you people with diet issues can have choices - the peanut allergy kid can have the cream cheese/jam, the vegetarians have two or three choices, those who don't eat pork can have the turkey, and so on. That's probably too many choices, but you get the idea.

 

Don't forget to offer water as a drink choice. So many people are eating healthy these days and avoiding sugary drinks. You can have big pitchers of tap water with some ice in it - cheap and easy.

[LibraryLover]

Nigella Lawson says "never knowingly under-cater", which is my motto.

QUOTE]

 

 

Nigella is a goddess. :iagree:

[justasque]

Looking a little closer at your post...

 

OK, so the wedding is at 2:00 - it will take about an hour? So the reception will be at about 3? Or will there be travel time and photos and such in between? It seems like the goal is to be finished before dinner time, but it might be cutting it a little close!

 

So cake, fruit, and mixed nuts. Hmmm. My initial concern is that it's not a whole lot of food. If it was just a little after the reception tea-ish thing, then that would be enough, but if there is dancing, then like you said people will be hungrier and thirstier, plus it will last longer.

 

What is the timing of the whole event? How far will the guests be traveling (to get there, and also between ceremony & reception)? How many people are we talking? What is the set-up - will there be tables? Buffet or people-with-trays or sit-down meal? (I once went to a wedding where we were expected to eat roast beef with gravy, standing up, with no utensils. In our best clothes. Ugh!) What resources will you have at the location (access to freezer for ice? access to fridge for storage?).

[annabanana1992]

The reception should be underway by 3:00 as they have to be completely out of the church by 6:00pm (the reception is at the church).

 

I wish that the menu were a bit heartier, but it is set - fruit, punch, nuts, and cake....

 

There will be table seating for about half the guests with a cake table and a table for the food and punch. Again, these things appear to be set.

 

The wedding is 2 weeks away, and they just asked for help last week....so it kind of is what it is....

 

I will find out about kitchen resources at the church on Monday.

 

Thank you so much for your help!

[MGK]

I believe a gallon of punch serves about 20-25 guests, so at least 10 gallons of punch. We held a graduation reception for about 300 people and used 1 1/2 of the jumbo cans of mixed nuts (from Sam's). Fruit - I have no idea. I guess I would try to have 2-3 pieces of each type of fruit per guest

[justasque]

There are 16 8 oz. cups in a gallon. 250 people at 2 cups per person would be 500 cups, which would be ~32 gallons. Again, I suggest offering ice water as well - this is a very sugar-y menu and not everyone can or wants to have that much sugar. It will also keep costs in check. In my experience a significant number of adults will choose water over punch, but this varies widely in different social groups. Will you be buying the punch ready-made, or making it yourself?

 

Will the fruit be a fruit salad type thing, or will it be fruit-on-toothpicks? Will you be prepping the fruit? That sounds like the bulk of the work. This is also where you have the most budget issues - will you be buying an assortment? Will you have the money for things like raspberries? Will you be mixing it all up or having individual fruits separately? Will you be using fresh or frozen?

 

Mixed nuts sounds like the easy part, in terms of serving and buying, but the hardest part to estimate consumption. On the one hand, most people don't want to over-indulge in nuts. On the other hand, there is not much else to choose from and if they left home at 1ish, they will be famished by 6. I really don't know what to suggest here - you could say 1/4 cup per person, in which case you're looking at 62.5 cups. 1/4 cup of nuts is about 175-200 calories.

 

BTW, I don't cater but I do entertain a lot, though not 250 at a time LOL!

[elfgivas]

given the number of folks who are allergic to different kinds of nuts, i would not, not, not serve mixed nuts to that many people. also, salt makes folks thirsty and then hungry. how about veggies and dip, and a few fruit plates?

[shannatheshedevil]

My mom is a wedding planner.

 

86 the nuts. nuts=salt=thirst=more drinks consumed. I'd stick with veggie and fruit trays (you sound like you're trying to keep this simple). Honestly, if there isn't much food, people aren't going to stick around. They'll give the couple their well-wishes, say hi to the neighbors, and hop on over to Outback on their way home.

[Britomart]

You said that the menu is set, but if they're at all open to changing things up, you might put sandwiches in the place of mixed nuts. Given the amount of nuts you're talking about (like a PP pointed out, it's a lot), you could probably get sandwiches at Costco or the like for less money, and the guests would then feel like they'd had a light meal.

[justasque]

My mom is a wedding planner.

 

86 the nuts. nuts=salt=thirst=more drinks consumed. I'd stick with veggie and fruit trays (you sound like you're trying to keep this simple). Honestly, if there isn't much food, people aren't going to stick around. They'll give the couple their well-wishes, say hi to the neighbors, and hop on over to Outback on their way home.

 

I would agree. If it were me, and I had to do it on a limited budget, I'd ditch the nuts (expensive, fatty, salty, allergy concerns), ditch the punch (nice if you can afford it but, depending on the punch, involves stain issues and it's basically just sugar water), serve ice water to drink, and have a variety of small (half-size) sandwiches and/or fruit/veg trays with the cake.

 

BUT it sounds like you don't have that option.

Are you supposed to prepare the food yourself (cut up fruit, etc.), or just purchase it ready-made? Do you have a budget to work within?

[Nakia]

When you say that they asked you to "oversee" the reception, what exactly does that mean? If they have the menu set, are you just supposed to figure out how much? If you can find something more suitable within the same budget, would they be willing to be flexible?

 

I attended (and photographed) MamaT's son's wedding last month. It was much smaller than what you are talking, but they had these wonderful giant (6 feet, I think) subs from Sam's or Walmart (can't remember which). They were soooooo good, and Tammy said they were really inexpensive. I think that would be a much better choice than the nuts. In fact, I cannot possibly imagine serving that many nuts. LOL, that sounds funny, but you know what I mean. And some people are so sensitive to certain kinds of nuts that they can't even touch something that's been touched by something that has touched a nut, ya know? Not worth it, IMHO.

[annabanana1992]

Thanks for all of this great help. I spoke to the father of the bride this morning and asked for a meeting to see what was flexible...

 

Talked to the bride and nixed the nuts and added water....

 

Oversee originally meant "here are our plans, can you implement them" but I am trying to push back on a few things as you can see!

 

What about seating??? They currently are not providing a seat for every guest. Is that normal? I would think you would want a seat for all guests even if it wasn't at a table. What do you think?

 

Please keep the suggestions coming!

[justasque]

I guess I would back up a bit and ask what is their vision for this reception.

 

For example, if they are envisioning an old-timey "piece of cake after the wedding" social event, then cake and water/punch is plenty, it should be served more-or-less immediately, and most folks will leave after a bit of chatting.

 

BUT - they are expecting dancing. So they're wanting folks to stick around a bit. Will there also be speeches, and garter removal, and bouquet throwing, and all of that? In other words, is this an event where the formal part will go on for quite some time, and folks will be expected to stay for all of that rather than just chat a bit then leave? And if so, will be food be served at the beginning, so folks can eat while observing all the festivities, or will the food be served after the speeches and such?

 

In the first example, I don't think you need a seat for everyone. It's a fairly short, say hi to the bride and her relatives, say hi to relatives and friends you haven't seen for a while, go home kind of thing. People will be circulating, they won't have to wait around for speeches, and so on.

 

BUT - if people are expected to stay while various speeches and other events happen before they can leave, then yes, I do think you need a chair for everyone, or at least most people. They don't all need tables I suppose - chairs around the perimeter of the room might do. But yes, expecting people to stand at an event that will last three hours is a bit much, IMHO.

 

<off to do a science experiment - will check back>

[Mom in High Heels]

Wow, what an interesting issue. As far as punch, I would tell them to go with a non-red punch. Apple Juice and Sprite or Ginger Ale makes a great punch. Also, if you make an ice ring or ice cubes out of apple juice, it will keep the punch cold and not water it down. If you have a freezer at the church, this would be a great option. You could also add frozen fruit to the punch instead of ice cubes (strawberries, raspberries or pineapple), which give it a lovely flavor and keep it cold.

 

I'm glad they let you nix the nuts. Way too salty. Are you adding anything in their place? Chips are easy, but they have the same salt issue.

 

What type of fruit? If you do apple slices, don't forget to soak them in a cold bowl of lemon water to keep them from turning brown. Grapes, kiwi slices, strawberries and blueberries might be the best to go with as they are healthy and don't turn brown.

 

Let us know the plan!

[annabanana1992]

I guess I would back up a bit and ask what is their vision for this reception.

 

For example, if they are envisioning an old-timey "piece of cake after the wedding" social event, then cake and water/punch is plenty, it should be served more-or-less immediately, and most folks will leave after a bit of chatting.

 

BUT - they are expecting dancing. So they're wanting folks to stick around a bit. Will there also be speeches, and garter removal, and bouquet throwing, and all of that? In other words, is this an event where the formal part will go on for quite some time, and folks will be expected to stay for all of that rather than just chat a bit then leave? And if so, will be food be served at the beginning, so folks can eat while observing all the festivities, or will the food be served after the speeches and such?

 

In the first example, I don't think you need a seat for everyone. It's a fairly short, say hi to the bride and her relatives, say hi to relatives and friends you haven't seen for a while, go home kind of thing. People will be circulating, they won't have to wait around for speeches, and so on.

 

BUT - if people are expected to stay while various speeches and other events happen before they can leave, then yes, I do think you need a chair for everyone, or at least most people. They don't all need tables I suppose - chairs around the perimeter of the room might do. But yes, expecting people to stand at an event that will last three hours is a bit much, IMHO.

 

<off to do a science experiment - will check back>

\\

 

I am with you on this - way too long to stand! Food will be available right away, but from beginning to end it could be about 2.5-3 hours. Hopefully I can make some headway with the father of the bride on Tuesday!

[Julie in CA]

In addition to water, iced tea is pretty cheap and easy. Make it in the sun the day before, and set out a sugar bowl and some lemon slices.

 

In the place of the nuts, I think I might be tempted to do cheese & cracker platters. They feel a little more like real food, they're easy to munch on even without a table or even a place to sit, and they're fairly easy to make ahead.

[justasque]

Here's my menu:

 

Iced tea (simple to make - you don't actually have to boil the water - just let the teabags steep a while). Let folks sweeten it themselves. (Assuming there are no issues with caffeine in the family's cultural/religious beliefs/practices.)

 

Lemonade - very easy to make, and very tasty. 1 part lemon juice (the generic store brand of RealLemon is usually nice and also cheap), 1 part sugar, and 6 1/2 parts water. This makes a really good lemonade - I've had nothing but complements, especially from folks who are used to powdered or canned versions.

 

Ice water.

 

Wedding cake.

 

Platters of cheese slices (NOT those cubes - they are the wrong shape!), apple slices (a sweet variety and a tart variety), and crackers. Arrange pretty on the plate. Garnish with grapes, if desired. If you like, you could substitute good bread for the crackers, which is inexpensive if made at home or in a bread machine. It can be frozen before or after. If you do the bread, I'd add a bit of cream cheese as an option.

 

*If* the budget can swing it, platters of vegetables and dip. Martha Stewart's white bean dip is nice and super-easy and super-cheap. (I use a bit of lime juice rather than a bit of lemon juice.)

 

This menu is healthy, tasty, and relatively inexpensive. It's finger-food, so it can be eaten standing up if needed. On the whole, it's not messy and won't stain clothes. It can "loaves and fishes" somewhat, if you buy some extra; you can use what isn't eaten later if needed. (Freeze the cheese, for example.)

[annabanana1992]

Here's my menu:

 

Iced tea (simple to make - you don't actually have to boil the water - just let the teabags steep a while). Let folks sweeten it themselves. (Assuming there are no issues with caffeine in the family's cultural/religious beliefs/practices.)

 

Lemonade - very easy to make, and very tasty. 1 part lemon juice (the generic store brand of RealLemon is usually nice and also cheap), 1 part sugar, and 6 1/2 parts water. This makes a really good lemonade - I've had nothing but complements, especially from folks who are used to powdered or canned versions.

 

Ice water.

 

Wedding cake.

 

Platters of cheese slices (NOT those cubes - they are the wrong shape!), apple slices (a sweet variety and a tart variety), and crackers. Arrange pretty on the plate. Garnish with grapes, if desired. If you like, you could substitute good bread for the crackers, which is inexpensive if made at home or in a bread machine. It can be frozen before or after. If you do the bread, I'd add a bit of cream cheese as an option.

 

*If* the budget can swing it, platters of vegetables and dip. Martha Stewart's white bean dip is nice and super-easy and super-cheap. (I use a bit of lime juice rather than a bit of lemon juice.)

 

This menu is healthy, tasty, and relatively inexpensive. It's finger-food, so it can be eaten standing up if needed. On the whole, it's not messy and won't stain clothes. It can "loaves and fishes" somewhat, if you buy some extra; you can use what isn't eaten later if needed. (Freeze the cheese, for example.)

 

 

Pauline,

 

I love your menu! I was already thinking about the lemonade... the apples, grapes, and cheese complement each other so nicely. Let's hope I can convince the parties involved!

 

You have been a great help!

[bettyandbob]

If they are expecting dancing, there should be some food. I like the subs from costco idea. veggie trays in addition to the fruit would be nice. If possible it is good to have a large self serve pot of coffee (can you use the one from church coffee hour?). There are people (my dh) who drink coffee where ever they go. I think coffee, iced tea and water make good beverages, if you can swing lemonade that great, but not necessary. I think sugary beverages make people thirstier.

 

If there is not much food there will be no danger of people staying past 6. However, it would be nice if people did stay past 4.

[Nakia]

Here's my menu:

 

Iced tea (simple to make - you don't actually have to boil the water - just let the teabags steep a while). Let folks sweeten it themselves. (Assuming there are no issues with caffeine in the family's cultural/religious beliefs/practices.)

 

Lemonade - very easy to make, and very tasty. 1 part lemon juice (the generic store brand of RealLemon is usually nice and also cheap), 1 part sugar, and 6 1/2 parts water. This makes a really good lemonade - I've had nothing but complements, especially from folks who are used to powdered or canned versions.

 

Ice water.

 

Wedding cake.

 

Platters of cheese slices (NOT those cubes - they are the wrong shape!), apple slices (a sweet variety and a tart variety), and crackers. Arrange pretty on the plate. Garnish with grapes, if desired. If you like, you could substitute good bread for the crackers, which is inexpensive if made at home or in a bread machine. It can be frozen before or after. If you do the bread, I'd add a bit of cream cheese as an option.

 

*If* the budget can swing it, platters of vegetables and dip. Martha Stewart's white bean dip is nice and super-easy and super-cheap. (I use a bit of lime juice rather than a bit of lemon juice.)

 

This menu is healthy, tasty, and relatively inexpensive. It's finger-food, so it can be eaten standing up if needed. On the whole, it's not messy and won't stain clothes. It can "loaves and fishes" somewhat, if you buy some extra; you can use what isn't eaten later if needed. (Freeze the cheese, for example.)

 

That sounds like a great plan! I thought about lemonade just before I read your post.

 

I don't think inadequate seating for their guests is appropriate, especially since they intend to have dancing. To be honest, it sounds like they have planned wedding that they really cannot afford when it comes down to it. I know that sounds rude, but that's the feeling I get.

 

I hope all goes well! I know you are a blessing to them!!

[JoyfulMama]

That sounds like a great plan! I thought about lemonade just before I read your post.

 

I don't think inadequate seating for their guests is appropriate, especially since they intend to have dancing. To be honest, it sounds like they have planned wedding that they really cannot afford when it comes down to it. I know that sounds rude, but that's the feeling I get.

 

I hope all goes well! I know you are a blessing to them!!

 

I don't know that it is planning a wedding the can't really afford as much as probably trying to make their budget work (which is a good thing). If they are looking for something simple, then an initial idea of cake and a couple snacky-foods would be fine. The OP said they had to be OUT by 6pm. So I don't think they are looking for anyone to stay until then. If a "tea" reception isn't their thing, but they liked the concept of an alternative to a full-meal reception, then punch, cake, fruit, and nuts, mights have sounded like a great alternative.

 

I like Pauline's menu, too. And I use the same lemonade mixture here at home. Yummy, simple, and cheap.

[Nakia]

I don't know that it is planning a wedding the can't really afford as much as probably trying to make their budget work (which is a good thing). If they are looking for something simple, then an initial idea of cake and a couple snacky-foods would be fine. The OP said they had to be OUT by 6pm. So I don't think they are looking for anyone to stay until then. If a "tea" reception isn't their thing, but they liked the concept of an alternative to a full-meal reception, then punch, cake, fruit, and nuts, mights have sounded like a great alternative.

 

I like Pauline's menu, too. And I use the same lemonade mixture here at home. Yummy, simple, and cheap.

 

You are right. That's exactly what it could be, and I do understand how that could easily happen. I know it must be really hard and stressful to plan a wedding. Guess I will find out in about 15 years or so. :D

[annabanana1992]

It is a bit of a difficult situation. The father of the bride is a pastor at the church so of course they want to invite the whole church, and the groom's family is quite large. They desire to be gracious hosts, but they do have constraints!

[tex-mex]

Looking a little closer at your post...

 

OK, so the wedding is at 2:00 - it will take about an hour? So the reception will be at about 3? Or will there be travel time and photos and such in between? It seems like the goal is to be finished before dinner time, but it might be cutting it a little close!

 

So cake, fruit, and mixed nuts. Hmmm. My initial concern is that it's not a whole lot of food. If it was just a little after the reception tea-ish thing, then that would be enough, but if there is dancing, then like you said people will be hungrier and thirstier, plus it will last longer.

 

What is the timing of the whole event? How far will the guests be traveling (to get there, and also between ceremony & reception)? How many people are we talking? What is the set-up - will there be tables? Buffet or people-with-trays or sit-down meal? (I once went to a wedding where we were expected to eat roast beef with gravy, standing up, with no utensils. In our best clothes. Ugh!) What resources will you have at the location (access to freezer for ice? access to fridge for storage?).

 

What about cheese, crackers, fruit, veggies, dip, and nuts? I would do one type of veggie platter with dip, 2 cracker & cheese platters, and 4-5 bowls of nuts tucked in around on the same table. Have on hand extra boxes of crackers, slices of cheese (variety), fruit & vegs, and extra dip to replenish the table. Buy more than you need. You can always use it later or give it away.

 

ETA: Saw you nixed the nuts. LOL What about a sweet treat for young kids like yogurt covered raisins or pretzels? No cookies as it takes away from the cake -- but something sweet to offer while waiting for the cake, kwim?

Edited September 12, 2010 by tex-mex

[tex-mex]

Thanks for all of this great help. I spoke to the father of the bride this morning and asked for a meeting to see what was flexible...

 

Talked to the bride and nixed the nuts and added water....

 

Oversee originally meant "here are our plans, can you implement them" but I am trying to push back on a few things as you can see!

 

What about seating??? They currently are not providing a seat for every guest. Is that normal? I would think you would want a seat for all guests even if it wasn't at a table. What do you think?

 

Please keep the suggestions coming!

 

If it is merely a reception with no formal dinner -- I really don't think every one NEEDS a chair, IMO. Arrange some tables however pleasant (round or banquet) formation. You can always add chairs in "row" along the walls for additional seating in the room without tables. Sounds like folks will be milling in and out greeting the couple in a reception line? If you do that with the simple platters and cake, that would work. Who is doing the decor? Do you need to worry about that? Set up early in the morning or the night before the wedding. HTH

[Melinda in VT]

I grew up with punch and cake receptions at the church, so they don't strike me as odd.

 

Trying to have dancing at a punch and cake reception does seem odd, and I think leads to the expectation of more food and seating.

[justasque]

You know, I've heard of "pot luck" weddings, and this situation sounds like it would work well that way.

 

Why not ask a few key people, who aren't in the wedding but who care for the couple, if they would like to bring a platter as their gift to the couple? The people are then freed from trying to figure out what the couple needs, gift-wise, and they can contribute something useful to the party. (Obviously, you'd want the couple's OK before going ahead with a plan like this!)

 

The bride's family can do the cake, you can do the drinks, and then you can have various fruit/veg/cheese/crackers platters, as plain or fancy as the givers wish. You'd want to know in advance what they plan to contribute, and you'd have to encourage them to keep it simple so as to avoid prep/heating issues and so as not to promote comparison between them. You'd have to be quite sensitive when asking, as you wouldn't want to pressure anyone and some folks might already have a special present in mind.

 

I know this approach is not for everyone, but for some guests it might be a welcome option. Many women like to share their entertaining skills by creating a nice platter, and no one would have the burden of feeding the whole crowd or doing all the night-before prep. Again, not the right solution for everyone, but something to consider.

[Carrie12345]

What about cheese, crackers, fruit, veggies, dip, and nuts? I would do one type of veggie platter with dip, 2 cracker & cheese platters, and 4-5 bowls of nuts tucked in around on the same table. Have on hand extra boxes of crackers, slices of cheese (variety), fruit & vegs, and extra dip to replenish the table. Buy more than you need. You can always use it later or give it away.

 

ETA: Saw you nixed the nuts. LOL What about a sweet treat for young kids like yogurt covered raisins or pretzels? No cookies as it takes away from the cake -- but something sweet to offer while waiting for the cake, kwim?

 

I would highly recommend AGAINST putting food for 250 people on one single table. I just went to a wedding about that size. The cocktail hour had 4 different food "stations" set up, plus butler service hors d'oevres, and there was STILL a back up at each station for a while. And that was with people filling plates and walking away. With the type of foods people are apt to nibble on and congregate around, a single table would be a disaster!

[justasque]

With the type of foods people are apt to nibble on and congregate around, a single table would be a disaster!

 

Yeah, I wondered about that too. Especially as the food offerings are limited - don't want a stampede, KWIM? Are there any teens who could be enlisted to walk around with platters?

[annabanana1992]

Yep, I am concerned about the stampede, too. It's on my list of things to discuss....

[tex-mex]

Yep, I am concerned about the stampede, too. It's on my list of things to discuss....

 

In my opinion, the cake and platters should NOT be on one table. The wedding cake is a showpiece on its own table with the napkins & plates for serving. Yes, I also agree the buffet platters should be on other tables. You can do this simply even with 2 additional banquet tables as "stations".

 

There most likely will not be a stampede. Folks usually mill in and not in one large group. It is the kiddos you may need to worry about hogging all of the food. LOL If it helps, I've done catering before and ironically had a wedding on a budget for 200 people also. We had the wedding party a la potluck style and there were MANY church ladies who were thrilled to show off their cooking talents with casseroles, appetizers, and tasty treats. But do you have the time (or phone list) to give out a shout out for help??? And does the wedding party want this? Then yes, you need more tables for people to sit and eat. Ask first.

[annabanana1992]

Update!

 

The meeting with the parents of the bride went great! They were very open to the menu suggestions. We have changed the menu to include:

 

apples, grapes, and pineapple (Bride's favorite!)

Cheese and crackers

veggie trays with dip

punch, tea, and water

Cake

 

Many wonderful ladies from the church are pitching in so it is all coming together nicely.

 

We have added a lot of extra chairs for guests too.

 

 

I do have a punch question - if all the ingredients are kept chilled until serving, do you think we still need an ice ring of some sort?

 

Thanks!

[justasque]

Update!

 

The meeting with the parents of the bride went great! They were very open to the menu suggestions. We have changed the menu to include:

 

apples, grapes, and pineapple (Bride's favorite!)

Cheese and crackers

veggie trays with dip

punch, tea, and water

Cake

 

Many wonderful ladies from the church are pitching in so it is all coming together nicely.

 

We have added a lot of extra chairs for guests too.

 

 

I do have a punch question - if all the ingredients are kept chilled until serving, do you think we still need an ice ring of some sort?

 

Thanks!

 

Sounds like it is coming together nicely! I'm guessing the bride & family are happy that you've thought it all through - sometimes that's the hardest part!

 

As for the punch - I think it depends on whether you are putting it all out at once, or if you are keeping the ingredients in the fridge until serving. For example if you put out a bowlful, taking just what you need for that bowlful out of the fridge, then when you need to refill getting those ingredients out of the fridge, and so on throughout the event - then I think it's ok to go without ice.

 

Enjoy the event! Make sure you have lots of help with serving/refilling! The menu sounds *much* better now!

[elfgivas]

if you make several ice rings, freezing marachino cherries in the ice, then it is an inexpensive, easy way to make it seem much more elegant. you can add a new one every few refills.

 

glad the meeting went well!

ann

[Alessandra]

You have some great ideas now -- it sounds as thought it is coming together nicely. I would add that staging can make even simple food elegant. As someone mentioned, garnishing with grapes, parsley, fruit adds a nice touch.

 

If you can borrow any footed dishes -- or just raise ordinary serving dishes by putting them on something) -- your serving tables will have a more dramatic look. Putting carrot sticks and other stick-type vegetables upright in goblets is elegant, and the goblets can be easily replaced when the carrots are almost gone -- avoiding large platters that are half empty.

 

When you buy crackers, get different shapes & sizes, including breadsticks, and arrange in rustic baskets.

Edited September 22, 2010 by Alessandra