Party food question... partly budget/partly diet related.

[pjlla]

Okay.... I need a few ideas. We are having DS's graduation party this weekend. It is pizza themed (he loves pizza)..... I have several pizza appetizers planned (cold veggie pizza, watermelon feta "pizza", hot pizza dip), main dish pizzas (thin crust, thick crust, cheese, pepperoni, caramelized onion/bacon pizza, white garlic pizza), and dessert pizzas (fruit pizza, salted caramel brownie pizza, "pizza" cake). I will also have two salads (a basic tossed green salad and a second more specialized salad.. probably this one without the nuts [too many allergies] and without the corn [too many carbs] and dressing on the side http://www.prouditaliancook.com/2012/06/heat-is-on.html. ).


I'm trying hard to stick with the theme...... but I realize that for anyone who wants to eat a bit "lighter" or "healthier" it will be tough. If ANYONE should be understanding of special food needs, it should be me..... I am an 8 year Weight Watcher, DH is a 6 year Atkins follower, DS has food allergies, and DD doesn't eat certain foods for moral/ethical/environmental reasons!! So I always try to take everyone's special needs into consideration..... but I'm not sure what to do this weekend. I'd like to offer a "lighter" pizza choice, but that wouldn't help the folks that don't eat carbs and/or gluten.

I would love to stick with my theme and not go too astray but I'm not sure what else to offer! Maybe just a protein to add to the salad?? May be a hummus and veggie tray? Maybe a fruit salad to go with dessert? It seems like whatever idea I come up with, it won't work for everyone (too many carbs, too much fat, too much gluten, not vegetarian, etc) Thanks in advance for any and all ideas and suggestions!.........P

 

[Aliceacc]

I think it's a question of which is more important: sticking to your theme or the comfort of your guests.

Put that way, I think it's an easy choice.

There are lots of pizza options for your son. Now I would think seriously about non-pizza options for the rest of the people attending your party.

I would absolutely serve some salads-- a green salad, a fruit salad, perhaps a pasta salad-- and some non-pizza entrees.

 

[Malibustyle23]

I would add some fruit and some veggie trays and call it a day. It's one party meal during one day of their life. People can either have a splurge cheat meal or they can eat before or after the party. Don't over think it and don't overdo yourself.

 

[kymom99]

My niece eats gluten free and she makes a pizza crust out of cauliflower. I'm sure if you google it you can find it. Pizza doesn't have to be a diet buster.

 

[pjlla]

FWIW, I am familiar with a few of the special diet needs of my guests.... and I have offered to provide a special meal as needed for a few folks, but they all said not to worry about it. And I will have two two salads.... and I've decided to add a veggie and hummus tray. And depending on the prices at the market, I may add a fruit tray at dessert time.

@Malibustyle23 , thanks for saying that..... it is exactly what I needed to hear! I'll be singing "Let It Go" all weekend! As an 8 year WW, I know that I don't always expect to arrive at a party and have a special WW meal/snack waiting.... it's called "REAL LIFE". However, having at least ONE healthy/lighter option is always appreciated! I'll stick with the pizza theme, a bit of fruit, the veggie/hummus tray, two salads, and call it a day!!

Thanks all!.................P

 

[Thing 1]

I would have some meat (chicken) available to add to your tossed salad, making it a complete meal. Add fruit. done.

 

[leebee]

Pasta salad and fruit salad won't help your low-carb Atkins people. Veggie tray, hummus, maybe tzatziki dip, and call it a day. It's a party- people with selective diets know that there might not be a whole lot available. It's just the way it is.

 

[TwoMisfits]

FWIW, I am familiar with a few of the special diet needs of my guests.... and I have offered to provide a special meal as needed for a few folks, but they all said not to worry about it. And I will have two two salads.... and I've decided to add a veggie and hummus tray. And depending on the prices at the market, I may add a fruit tray at dessert time.

@Malibustyle23 , thanks for saying that..... it is exactly what I needed to hear! I'll be singing "Let It Go" all weekend! As an 8 year WW, I know that I don't always expect to arrive at a party and have a special WW meal/snack waiting.... it's called "REAL LIFE". However, having at least ONE healthy/lighter option is always appreciated! I'll stick with the pizza theme, a bit of fruit, the veggie/hummus tray, two salads, and call it a day!!

Thanks all!.................P

I know you have this, but the easiest thing (and cheapest) might be saving the extra items not included on your pizzas and having them for guests to enjoy solo...so a tray of all the veggies that went on the pizzas, a tray of all the fruits that went on the pizzas, and a tray of all the proteins (cheese, meats, others) and "sauces" that went on the pizza.

 

[wenrob]

The last two family get togethers I put on instead of putting out the usual snacky stuff I put out fresh fruit and veggies that we cut ourselves. (fresher and tastes better). Carrots, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, avacado, watermelon, strawberries and pineapple. I could not believe how FAST it went and not one person asked where the chips, crackers, cheese, dips were. Both my sister and SIL's said they were going to do the same next time because it was so refreshing. It's a "safe" choice for just about everyone and satisfies that urge to munch without being too damaging to your waistline.

We also did pizza for this last one. My uncles are vegetarian, my dad has an issue with not being able to swallow a lot of things, niece is autistic (so very precise in what she tolerates), sis and I count calories and SIL does WW. Then you had the normal pickiness of the younger kids (and my brother, lol). Instead of asking what they can have I asked specifically what the CAN'T have and went from there. Out of six pizzas, we only had three slices left so it worked out alright. I know a grad party is on a much larger scale but most people will navigate their dietary needs on their own and make it work. Most pizza places have a gluten free option and most low carbers will just eat the toppings and forgo the crust. You can only do so much. With the spread you've described I don't think anyone will starve.

 

[scrapquitler]

Okay.... I need a few ideas. We are having DS's graduation party this weekend. It is pizza themed (he loves pizza)..... I have several pizza appetizers planned (cold veggie pizza, watermelon feta "pizza", hot pizza dip), main dish pizzas (thin crust, thick crust, cheese, pepperoni, caramelized onion/bacon pizza, white garlic pizza), and dessert pizzas (fruit pizza, salted caramel brownie pizza, "pizza" cake). I will also have two salads (a basic tossed green salad and a second more specialized salad.. probably this one without the nuts [too many allergies] and without the corn [too many carbs] and dressing on the side http://www.prouditaliancook.com/2012/06/heat-is-on.html. ).


I'm trying hard to stick with the theme...... but I realize that for anyone who wants to eat a bit "lighter" or "healthier" it will be tough. If ANYONE should be understanding of special food needs, it should be me..... I am an 8 year Weight Watcher, DH is a 6 year Atkins follower, DS has food allergies, and DD doesn't eat certain foods for moral/ethical/environmental reasons!! So I always try to take everyone's special needs into consideration..... but I'm not sure what to do this weekend. I'd like to offer a "lighter" pizza choice, but that wouldn't help the folks that don't eat carbs and/or gluten.

I would love to stick with my theme and not go too astray but I'm not sure what else to offer! Maybe just a protein to add to the salad?? May be a hummus and veggie tray? Maybe a fruit salad to go with dessert? It seems like whatever idea I come up with, it won't work for everyone (too many carbs, too much fat, too much gluten, not vegetarian, etc) Thanks in advance for any and all ideas and suggestions!.........P

I'd probably add a fruit and/or veggie platter. I think it's nice to stick to a theme, but you can only carry a theme so far. If you have a bit of variety, most people will find SOMETHING they can/are willing to eat.

 

[hsmamato2]

If you're making pizzas, I'd throw a GF crust pizza on the table too, clearly marked. That, along with a variety of fruit/veggie/ dips to choose form satisfies most people,along with the salads. (I always have a few varieties of chips and dips anyway available) You can;t expect to satisfy the dietary needs of a large group exactly. and most people do what I do, bring some snacks with them just in case there isn't much that goes with my special diet....that way I always have a little something just in case. ANd it's $$$ to buy precut fruit and veggies from the store, but very inexpensive to set out platters of fruits and veggies you've cut yourself (buy what's on sale)

 

[aprilchem]

I'd throw in a green salad and a fruit salad if you want to. I have a pretty strict diet but don't expect anyone to cater to me - we went to a party last night where the only thing I could eat were fruit kabobs, and there weren't very many of them so I didn't want to eat more than my fair share. But I had a healthy snack right before I went because I knew that might be the case, and I just ate afterwards.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

I have had Celiac disease for over 20 years and can't have gluten. I can't tell you how many times I've sat through parties watching others eat pizza or whatever while I smiled and munched on salad. If you put a gluten free pizza on the table as suggested above, I'd love you forever.

You can get gluten free pizza at many restaurants or buy the crust in most supermarkets or health food stores. If you are making the gluten free pizza, please be careful of cross contamination. Don't use a knife to cut a regular pizza and then use it to cut the gluten free one. Make sure nothing with flour comes in contact with the gluten free crust. Don't add meatballs or any other topping that contained wheat, barley or rye.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Also remember that if you are having it on the same weekend as graduation, you may not need as much food as you feel like. We had 2.5 days of constant parties on our graduation weekend. I ate a bit at each party that was good and as I was hungry, but we only stayed at each party for a couple hours each and then off to the next one. I couldn't have eaten a full meal at each party.

My rule of thumb is to try to have something that everyone can eat. Barring deadly food allergies that we have in our family, we don't make sure that everyone likes/may eat everything.

I have friends who are vegan, allergic to tomatoes, gluten free. I would provide a salad or salad bar along with fruit and veggie trays and none of them would complain about that. I think hummus was a great filling food to add that a lot of people can eat. I would probably also include some gluten free dippers for the hot pizza dip.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

I have friends who are vegan, allergic to tomatoes, gluten free. I would provide a salad or salad bar along with fruit and veggie trays and none of them would complain about that. [/QUOTE]


@MinnieSweetheart....are you sure they didn't complain plenty after they left your party? Nothing more fun than being invited to a party when the host knows you have a dietary restriction and provides a salad for you while you watch the rest of the guest eat the real food.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

I have friends who are vegan, allergic to tomatoes, gluten free. I would provide a salad or salad bar along with fruit and veggie trays and none of them would complain about that.

@MinnieSweetheart....are you sure they didn't complain plenty after they left your party? Nothing more fun than being invited to a party when the host knows you have a dietary restriction and provides a salad for you while you watch the rest of the guest eat the real food.[/QUOTE]

I've never actually invited them to a party I've hosted, but I've been with them to luncheons/parties hosted by a group and mutual friends. They say "I know I'm vegan/GF or have allergies and I don't expect everyone to accommodate me with a unique meal" I've been the third party for them to complain to before as I didn't set the menu and I've seen them be just fine.

To further your sentiment, what if I'm not allergic to pizza and just think it's the worst food ever. Then I could say "nothing like going to a party and not eating the real food."

Some parties you can easily accommodate everyone and others you can't. When there are 70 ladies at a luncheon, you can provide something for everyone to be able to eat, but you may not be able to have "real food" for everyone and you shouldn't feel guilty that your accomfurther your sentiment, what if I'm not allergic to pizza and just think it's the worst food ever. Then I could say "nothing like going to a party and not eating the real food."

As long as there is food for each person to eat and be reasonably full then I don't feel it right to complain.

You also conveniently left out where I mentioned hummus, gluten free dippers for pizza dip. I would expect many friends to be satisfied with fruit, veggies, hummus, salad and hot pizza dip.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

As I said, I've had Celiac Disease for more than 20 years. In that time I've been to multiple functions. I never complained, always smiled, ate the salad and went with the flow.

If I'm going to a restaurant, a conference, or a catered event I call in advance to determine what I can or can't eat and plan accordingly. If I'm going to a house party I pack a kind bar so I'll have some protein if I can't eat anything but salad. I never complain to the hostess. I have said the same line about not expecting others to understand or cater to my dietary restrictions.

I responded to your post because it sounded dismissive of those who have true dietary restrictions (not food preferences), and unless you've lived that you really have no idea what it's like.

If the original poster knew that a guest had gluten allergies/intolerances and she provided a gluten free pizza (which was the party theme, not salad) it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

I responded to your post because it sounded dismissive of those who have true dietary restrictions (not food preferences), and unless you've lived that you really have no idea what it's like.

If the original poster knew that a guest had gluten allergies/intolerances and she provided a gluten free pizza (which was the party theme, not salad) it would be greatly appreciated.

I have dietary restrictions and my brother has deadly contact food allergies. Of course it would be appreciated, because providing a gluten free pizza would be above and beyond for that specific guest. I would think that my guest would be content with the gluten free breadstick dippers and hot pizza dip as a safe alternative to a gluten free pizza. I was letting her know that she does not need to feel pressured to go above and beyond for each individual guest.

I understand that food is very social and it is hard to feel left out, but that happens for many people and the reality of hosting a party with more than 10 guests these days is there are too many dietary considerations to be made. Salads do get boring, but short of serving multiple entrees, it is hard to have an alternative food for vegans, friends who keep kosher, gluten free friends and those with tomato allergies. I could easily see them all, however, eating a salad and as long as it didn't have crunches in it they would be fine.

My point is that I'm not trying to be dismissive but understanding to OP that when hosting a large party you can simply not have a "real food" for all of your guests and some might have to settle for gluten free breadsticks with hot pizza dip instead of a gluten free pizza....

 

[kymom99]

My cousin had a wedding where they had the caterer label all the food and noted what was gluten free, peanut free, etc. they even had some gluten free cheesecake. That was a nice gesture since it was a big crowd. But what happened was this: a cousin who has a child with peanut/tree nut allergies stopped on the way to the reception to get him something to eat because they simoky don't trust those sorts of situations. My sister and brother have celiacs and found plenty to eat but didn't get any cake because lots of people just wanted the cheesecake. So you see, you can't accommodate everyone. You are making an effort and that is nice.

 

[DLgal]

It is a party, not a diner with a short order cook. Put out the food and don't overthink it. Heck, I'd probably order half a dozen cheese pizzas, and half a dozen pepperoni, add a green salad, and call it a day.