Need help with a party menu

[mariolatry]

We're returning home for a family reunion this summer, and will be having a group party to celebrate some big birthdays. My mom will be 70, my sister will be 50, and my daughter will be five. We've decided to hold a not-too-fancy shindig in the church basement and will be using a caterer so that no one is spending all their time in the kitchen.

The caterer offers a good price on a buffet with two entrees and side dishes. The problem is, we all have different ideas on what should be served. I've listed the available entrees in a poll, so please pick your two favorite choices.

Now here are the issues at hand:
1. There will be around 40 people, 10 of whom are senior citizens.
2. There will be 6 young kids (ages 2-8).
3. One vegetarian
4. My mother is lactose intolerant and does not eat sugar or flour.
5. In theory, we're supposed to be splitting the costs and planning. In reality, this is not the case.


ETA: I have my own thoughts on this but I want to hear others' feedback before my stuff out there.

 

[C.Ann]

Tough choices, but I did my best - based on your info..

 

[The Mystery Machine]

First off the pasta should be a side, so I take umbrage with the caterer.

I pick BBQ chicken and ham.

Reason is because chicken breasts tend to be dry in a buffet & BBQ chicken would be more moist. It would be my third choice.

As far as the other stuff, I really do not care for it.

 

[golfgal]

I picked the plain baked chicken and a pasta. That covers what you need. The food will be as good as the caterer and honestly, no one expects gourmet meals at something like this. Once you start getting into BBQ anything, it is MESSY and if people are going to be wearing something nicer than shorts and t-shirts, I would skip BBQ. Don't go with anything overly spicy as a lot of people can't tolerate that. Swiss steak is just nasty.

 

[Rora]

I picked the flavored baked chicken and the baked pasta. Sound like the two best options for your get together!

 

[mariolatry]

Thanks all. The problem is, I've got two brothers really set on BBQ, which I just can't imagine a bunch of 70- and 80-year-olds appreciating. My sister wants the plain baked chicken, which I fear will be dry. Meanwhile, my 3- and 5-year-old daughters just want chicken nuggets.

It's one of those situations where everyone has an opinion but no one wants to help me do the work to arrange everything.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I went with the pasta (feeds the vegetarian, most kids like it and many adults as well) and the BBQ chicken. I think BBQ feels more party like and festive. It is not likely to be too "different" for some older palates and most little ones will eat it (and it is easy enough to peel of the outside layer and get to "plain" chicken if they will not--I know I have one who doesn't)

 

[NHdisneylover]

Thanks all. The problem is, I've got two brothers really set on BBQ, which I just can't imagine a bunch of 70- and 80-year-olds appreciating. My sister wants the plain baked chicken, which I fear will be dry. Meanwhile, my 3- and 5-year-old daughters just want chicken nuggets.

It's one of those situations where everyone has an opinion but no one wants to help me do the work to arrange everything.

I was typing when your post went up. I was thinking the older generation would like BBQ. Gosh, they have it at nearly every family get together i have been to on both sides I(in Colorado, Iowa and Vermont) and the hosts are often in the 60-80 year old range. However, I do not know the tastes of the seniors in YOUR family.

 

[mariolatry]

I was typing when your post went up. I was thinking the older generation would like BBQ. Gosh, they have it at nearly every family get together i have been to on both sides I(in Colorado, Iowa and Vermont) and the hosts are often in the 60-80 year old range. However, I do not know the tastes of the seniors in YOUR family.

Old, Dutch, and Midwestern. I had to forcibly veto making things with Cream of Mushroom soup or Velveeta*. You should have seen them when I told them no tater tots.


*I'm not morally opposed to these items but really? For a party?

 

[Frantasmic]

Baked chicken and glazed ham.

To appease the yo-yos expecting BBQ (with 10 Sr. citizens and 6 kids nonetheless), go to the best BBQ place in town and get 2 qts bbq sauce to put on their chicken.

 

[mjkacmom]

I picked bbq chicken or ribs and baked ziti. It's funny how different catering menus are around the country - baked ziti would be the only selection I'd see on a menu here. Sausage and peppers, pasta vodka, eggplant rolatini, chicken savoy... and about 30 other items to chose from here!

ETA - I know you want to limit cooking, but make some chicken nuggets and buttered noodles for the kids - and you will be surprised at how many adults eat them, too.

 

[mariolatry]

ETA - I know you want to limit cooking, but make some chicken nuggets and buttered noodles for the kids - and you will be surprised at how many adults eat them, too.

That's a good point. I wonder if I could get away with a few 20 piece McNuggets.

My town is a failing, blue-collar town. I was honestly surprised to find any place like this, especially one that had a website.

 

[luvmy3]

I picked baked chicken (garlic and herb) because either people love BBQ or the hate it. If you were going with that, I'd offer another meat selection, if not the pasta as an entree would be good.