Party menu?

[heatherbee]

A lot of you guys are way better at this kind of stuff then me, so I figured I would ask. I have to confirm what food I need made for dds birthday next weekend (my family is awesome about helping), but I'm not sure what to do. We have always grilled out or ordered subs for my DS''s birthday so I'm not sure what would be best to serve. Here is what I was thinking for a party of about 40-45 people:
Tossed salad
Fruit salad
Baked ziti (some plain pasta with butter for any pick kids)
Meatball
Bread and butter

Cake and cupcakes for dessert. Things like chips and cheese and crackers for appetizers. Maybe a veggie tray? I really don't know how much to ask people to make either. Any help would be appreciated I'm about to order pizza and be done, lol.

[nursedesi]

We have dI'd Henry's 2nd bday and Logan's 1st bday at pizza hut. So no judgement here!

To me grilling is too much work especially when you have that many guests coming. Is the ziti something you can make ahead and just warm in the oven?

I would honestly skip the salad. Salad seems like kind of a strange thing to have at a party. I say the bread and butter would be good enough for a side.

I never have luck with veggie trays. I always have tons left over. But I always do fruit.

Just my 0.02

[aylafsu1881]

What time is the party? I assume it is the afternoon. Your menu sounds good but I agree with skipping the salad. I love Salad but it seems like people don't really eat it at a party.

What about mozzarella sticks for kids?

I do like a veggie tray just so people have options.

[starfishy]

Yeah, do veggie tray instead of salad. That's just easier.
I find ziti easy for parties, but if I went to your party and had pizza I wouldn't think twice. Pizzas and parties go with each other.

I also like to have some munchies around - chips, cheese and crackers etc. all kid friendly.

Mozz sticks for kids is a good idea too

[cookiesandwine]

We had baked pasta for Luke's baptism recently and hardly anyone ate salad. We found premade like seasoned breadsticks on sale and they were very popular.

[xanthepants]

I might still have a small salad available and make it gluten free and vegetarian/vegan. Everything you listed is perfect, but if in your group of 45 you have anyone with dietary needs - you'd have it covered potentially by offering the salad. I wouldn't bother making it 45 portions though because as everyone stated, it probably won't get eaten. You know your friends and family though and if that would even be an issue. If not, skip it.

[heatherbee]

Thanks for the input! It was really helpful - I decided to nix the salad idea and am having my dad make some Italian sausage with peppers and onions as another option with the baked ziti.

[trixi282]

Nov 9, 2015 20:51:01 GMT -5 heatherbee said:

Thanks for the input! It was really helpful - I decided to nix the salad idea and am having my dad make some Italian sausage with peppers and onions as another option with the baked ziti.

YUM - I totally want to do this for dinner now... my mom used to make sausage with peppers/onions and marinara and we eat it on rolls.... I think that might go on the meal plan next week... or later this week since I have nothing "planned" past tomorrow, haha!