Critique my party menu please!

jessica0602

The kid's first birthday party is rapidly approaching.  I have to get food ordered ASAP.  It's outdoors at a park under a pavilion from 12-4, probably ending earlier than.  I'm not sure what the outlet situation is and I think sternos would be a waste if it's windy so I don't want to count on those.  I'm expecting approximately 30 adults and 20 kids.  Ridiculous.  Here's what I've got:

Homemade pizzas: these are a weird family recipe that can be served, and are actually better, cold

Chicken nugget tray (in theory for the kids)

Pretzel tray

Deli Tray with rolls and bottled condiments

Chips and pretzels

Big tray of garden salad with bottled dressings on the side

I was thinking of also doing a small veggie tray and a small platter of MM shaped pb&j sandwiches. 

I suck at this so I'm open to any and all constructive criticism.

HeatherWain

I think you are pretty good considering the weather won't be super hot in October. The only thing I may switch a bit is a deli tray vs a mixed hoagie tray, but that's just me. You could do a mixed Italian/Ham & Cheese and/or do one with tuna/chicken salad. I think they will hold pretty well outside in October for a few hours.

I would def go with the green salad with dressings, veggie tray and what about an easy macaroni salad with Italian dressing?  I think you are pretty much on point, though.

 

babe2331

Looks fine to me!  I would def make sure you have enough of the chicken nuggets in case the adults start piling them up on their plates.

jpfeifer

The only thing I think is missing is some fruit.  You could cut up a watermelon - cheap and easy.  Agree with pp on a macaroni or potato salad as a side for the kids nuggets.  Depending on age, they might have a hard time with a salad. 

tracyd21

I find that every time I do a green salad at a casual get-together, most of it goes to waste.  So now I do a whole wheat pasta salad with Italian dressing or balsamic, heavy on the veggies - that way people still feel they have a somewhat healthy option. 

jessica0602

Thanks everyone! 

Pfeif fruit is totally a no brainer so clearly I have no brain.  I will add some to the menu, thanks!

Tracy I am flip flopping on just doing both. 

babe2331

I would just do both the garden salad and the pasta salad. Both shouldn't cost you too much extra to make, and you can even scale back on the garden salad since you will have pasta salad anyway.  Plus you can make them up the day before and throw them in the fridge so its one less thing to worry about the day of.