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What would you serve?
So, I'm throwing DH a surprise 30th birthday party next month. I'm going to just have some snacks and finger foods, no big meal (the party's 2-6 pm on a Sunday afternoon). Now, I've already figured out that I am not really going to prepare much before the day of the party when a friend is going to get him out of the house for the day for me. So, I need things that are quick and super easy to prepare, but also healthy.
Here's what I thought of so far:
I'm going to order a veggie tray from a local restaurant
Pretzels
Dried Fruit Salad (with apples, cherries, cranberries, raisins, and banannas) I did this for a party this weekend, and everyone loved it.
Mixed Nuts
Cake and Root Beer Floats for dessert
I'm sure there is many other things that I'm missing, but can't think of them. So, please help! Also, if you can recommend some gluten free options, that would be great. We have a couple guests coming that must have gluten free.
Re: What would you serve?
While you don't need a meal, I think you do need something more substantial than you've listed.
By pretzels, do you mean soft pretzels or...? And you'll have a dip with that veggie tray?
- Protein comes to mind. Something like chicken salad cups, wings, skewers - whatever would be appropriate for what you're envisioning. If done right, these can be gluten free.
- A hearty dip with chips. Cowboy caviar (black bean salsa) with tostitos scoops is always popular with my crowd.
- A cracker spread. This one's quite tasty. I served it on NYD with gluten free crackers for my aunt and Ritz. (Your gluten free people can also use the crackers for the black bean salsa above.)
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Agreed with Tarheels. This looks like things you'd put in little bowls as filler. You don't need a full meal, but if you want people to be there for 4 hrs you need more.
I'd add some cheese and crackers, a party sub, maybe the chicken dip that everyone (but me) loves, or 7 layer dip with chips.
I don't know the price, but ordering a veggie tray from a restaurant seems like a waste of money. Baby carrots, bags of broccoli and cauliflower, and slice a couple of peppers is just as easy and cheaper. If you're ordering something go for something more substantial.
I'd also add some dips to the pretzels.
Thanks for the great ideas! You're right. I realized what I'm missing is something with more substance to it. I knew I was missing something, but couldn't figure out what.
I agree with all the pp and like tarheels idea for the salsa. If you make sure to buy corn chips (or blue chips work too I think) they are gluten free. My one friend that can't eat gluten lives on chips and salsa. Another heartier dip idea is a buffalo chicken dip. I serve mine with tortilla chips and celery usually so both would be gluten free options. You could have crackers there too for those that want them. Those two things plus a cheese/cracker tray with some pepperoni or salami plus the veggie tray you already mentioned seems like enough to me.
And I also second the post above with ideas to make your own veggie tray. Costco usually has larger bags of baby carrots or broccolli pieces if you need large quantities.
I love the rootbeer float idea! Sounds fun!
We both love them, and I figured that would be a good dessert for those who can and cannot have gluten.