When *you* go to a party, what do you like to eat?

Mrs.Darah

To put it a bit more in context, this will be a mixed adults and children party. I'm trying to come up with ideas for food, snacks and entrees both. It's relatively casual (Alex's birthday). I have a few (meatballs, a sandwich platter, chips/salsa, veggies/dip, cheese/crackers, I haven't gotten farther than that), but I'd love to hear what you head for on the food table when you're at a party. And what you don't! Extra points if you have ideas for stuff that adults like that is kid friendly.

Thanks in advance.

H

nrkloveswrk

Someone on another board I read said that they did a pasta buffet....using say spaghetti and ziti and then different sauces, marinara, alfredo, pesto and they then also had some meatballs or chicken and garlic bread.  That sounds like a bit of work, but you wouldn't have to make a zillion different things.  Maybe just two of those.  I dunno......Aside from that I have no ideas.  I rarely go to parties of any kind.

ann11/11

the pasta buffet is a good idea. when i used to do catering at the hotel, the pasta buffet was always a hit.  when i go to parties i like scallops wrapped in bacon, shrimp, chips and dip and some more filling things like pasta, meatballs.  my best friend always has gatherings at her place.  she usually does a big pasta dish, garlic bread, ceasar salad, baked beans.

PenguinGirl06

Some kind of pasta, without meat in it. ?You know, for the vegetarians in your life.

hint: mac & cheese!?

maisiemae

I made mac and cheese for Jude's 2 bday parties....adult and kid friendly (although, of course, my kid wouldn't eat it - only annie's for him!)

?

STBMrsSJuly06

You could do hot dogs wrapped in cresent rolls.  Those are always a huge hit at parties we go too.

NYCNHEmily

A few weeks ago, I had an adult/kid party.  It was surprisingly easy/I could do things ahead of time, etc. 

HUGE vat of chili (I didn't do a veggie one, because I knew everyone ate meat.  I made it really mild & then had a buffet of toppings like cheese, sour cream, radishes, chives, hot sauces, cilantro, etc). 

I made 2 kids of corn bread - one that was basic & one that was a bit more interesting with creamed corn & chilies.  I thought it would be spicy, it wasn't & the kids ate it.

Chips/salsa.

A creamy avocado dip with veggies.

Cheese/crackers

Peppermint-Chocolate cake

Have fun!

Mrs.Darah

I love that chili idea. It makes me think about maybe a taco bar kind of thing. I can keep the taco beef warm in a crockpot. Maybe do some shredded chicken as well and put the sides out, kind of a DIY thing.

I wonder how many kids eat tacos. Mine isn't there yet (he does like taco seasoned ground beef though), but that doesn't mean others aren't.

NYCNHEmily

And if you get soft tacos/tortillas & some shredded cheese, then it is really easy for moms & dads to zap it in the microwave for a grilled cheesy quesadilla-thingy. . . .

LLPtobe

I love the pasta buffet idea. I was also going to suggest mac & cheese since it's usually a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults (okay, well I know I love it!).