How many selections to offer?

blue_elle

I'm planning a birthday party for my mom with approx. 30 guests. Serving hors d'ouvres only. How do you determine how many selections to offer? I don't want to be overwhelmed with prep, but this is her 50th, so I don't want to skimp either. I do plan on doing a mix of homemade and store bought to ease the workload.

kimnelson09

I would do 5-6 different appetizers and vary them up...some with meat, some with dairy, etc.  I try to keep flavor profiles similar and complimentary without repeating ingredients if that makes sense.  To ease your workload a little more, only do one or two that are labor-intensive.  Keep the rest fairly simple.

PnkBride

What time of day is the party? That makes a huge impact on how much food is needed.

blue_elle

PnkBride:

What time of day is the party? That makes a huge impact on how much food is needed.

My step-father wants to do 3 or 4 on a Sunday. I think 3 is too early if we want people to stick around as they'll probably snack and then head out for dinner, and I'd hate to ask people to drive an hour or more to a party and then have to leave early since they have to work the next morning. I'd prefer to do Saturday at 5 or 6 with plenty of food so that people don't have to leave for dinner unless they just want to have their own late dinner when they leave. Really it will come down to which day is available for the clubhouse.

Because of the space we can't do a sit down dinner, so I a buffet service would be difficult. Finger foods will be easy to handle as people mingle and switch off seating.

lisac113

I agree with you, Saturday is better.  I am probably a horrible person, but I hate going to early evening events on Sunday.  That is my sacred time!  I think on Saturday, maybe 5ish sounds great.  5-6 options sound great.  Do you know what you want to offer?

6fsn

For Saturday evening I'd do 6-7 supstantial options allowing 3-4 pieces per person.  I would also include fillers- cheese, fruit, veggies.

For Sunday afternoon I'd probably 5-6 options, but only 2-3 per person.

daisy21le

I say saturday as well.  6-7 apps sound good.  Don't forget to make at least one with no dairy and at least one vegetarian.  there is always a lactose intolerant or vegetarian in the crowd : )

lsgarver

I like Saturday too but people will treat that like dinner you'll need at least 6-7 heavy apps and a few fillers like pp suggested--veggie tray, fruit, cheese, dips.

Pick some easy options that will fill people up like meatballs, shrimp cocktail or chicken tenders.  Then choose fancier, more difficult options to make the menu more special.