Thanksgiving-y cookout ideas

ctgirlingermany

I know this seems really early to talk about Thanksgiving, but we are planning a party that requires a lot of careful planning.

DH and I are building a house in Germany.  Here, when the "bones"  of the house have been completed, the homeowners throw a big party for the builders, the workers, neighbors, friends and family.  We will have about 50 people.  Traditionally, people have a big pot of soup and bread, but ugh, how cheap.  We're big entertainers.  We had planned on a big cook out (we will have access to two gas grills that night,) when when thought this was going to happen in September.

Now, the party is going to be in November, and we think it would be cool to do a more Thanksgiving /Harvest themed party.  The problem is that it will be in a big concrete structure, with no amenities.  We will cover the windows,rent heaters, use picnic tables,  but have no kitchen.  I was thinking of using chafing dishes for a few warm sides, but want to stick to more cold side dishes.  We'll probably grill a turkey and some steaks.

Does anyone have ideas for any Thanksgiving type foods that are cold?  Also, ideas for appetizers that we could put out before we have to give a little speech, would be fantastic too!

Thanks so much!!

6fsn

Homemade cranberry sauce for a cold side.  I know you didn't want hot, but this pumkpkin soup is really good and easy.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Velvety-Pumpkin-Soup-With-Blue-Cheese-and-Bacon/Detail.aspx

This isn't a fancy app, but it's really good.  It's also good as a little dessert too.

8 oz cream cheese, 7 oz marchmallow fluff, 1 cup powdered sugar, 15 oz pumpkin, 1 tsp cinnamon.  Mix together and serve with ginger snaps and vanilla wafers.

TarHeels&Rebels

So a couple thoughts here...

They don't have Thanksgiving in Germany.  You're going to go through an unbelievable amount of effort for a meal that isn't their thing.  While sharing an American custom may be a nice idea, perhaps a group of 50 laborers isn't the right audience, esp when you have no kitchen.

I'd also be careful about calling the local custom "cheap."  While you may not ever tell them that, dismissing their soup tradition out of hand may read very wrong to them.  If that's the tradition, build on it.  My guess is the soup tradition's been around way longer than American Thanksgiving.  Do a variety of soups, chilis, breads, cheeses, fruits.  You can still put out a lavish spread and respect their culture. 

northtamarack

TarHeels&Rebels:

So a couple thoughts here...

They don't have Thanksgiving in Germany.  You're going to go through an unbelievable amount of effort for a meal that isn't their thing.  While sharing an American custom may be a nice idea, perhaps a group of 50 laborers isn't the right audience, esp when you have no kitchen.

I'd also be careful about calling the local custom "cheap."  While you may not ever tell them that, dismissing their soup tradition out of hand may read very wrong to them.  If that's the tradition, build on it.  My guess is the soup tradition's been around way longer than American Thanksgiving.  Do a variety of soups, chilis, breads, cheeses, fruits.  You can still put out a lavish spread and respect their culture. 

ITA, especially with the last part.  It will also be easier to do w/out a kitchen.