Takeout ideas for post college graduation party?

[WDWAurora]

Anybody have any ideas? We're doing takeout because everybody's coming from far away (my immediate family is coming from 5 hours away) and nobody really wants to cook. I don't want to go out since there will be so many people, and I like to mingle more than a restaurant would allow....We're looking at somewhere between 20 and 30 people, and I'll be doing most of the planning myself, since my family won't be in town until the day before. I was thinking about getting chicken strips from Zaxby's or KFC, but I need sides, and I'm getting a cake from Sam's (they're the best with whipped icing, YUM!!) Any other ideas? I do want it to be "real" food and not snacky foods, but not a sit down meal. Thanks for any ideas!!

 

[jx3smom]

Potato salad and pasta salads are good sides. Meatballs and rolls will also go well for those who don't eat fried chicken. Even though it is snacky foods most people enjoy fruit and veggie platters with dips.

 

[DawnCt]

What about those huge, long subs from Subway or Quiznos?

 

[WDWAurora]

haha Good call DawnCt, we're having those between my two graduations! (We have a big one for all the graduates, only names read are PhDs, etc. and this is where the tassel is moved, etc, but you're only recognized with your entire college. You have a later departmental ceremony where you walk onstage, have your name read, and receive your diploma.)

 

[hercamore]

We have always had good luck with the Subway 3 ft subs or party trays. The twisted bread is really good Everyone likes them and they keep well.

herc.

 

[tkyes]

Do you have a Leann Chin's near you? You can get big trays of their salad, fried rice, cream cheese puffs, beef lomain, etc.

Nice grocery stores or delis should have more than just your basic meat and cheese tray (not that there's anything wrong with that).

have fun!

 

[CEDmom]

I'd go to Costco. They have lots of prepared food or stuff that just needs to be thrown in the oven and heated. I've never had anything bad from them.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Do you have a Fazoli's near by? They will make up trays or pasta and breadsticks for you. My sister did this for a wedding shower and it was quite good.

 

[CamColt]

Chinese food?

Lots of Italian Restauranst around here sell party sized trays of foods such as salads, lasagna, meatballs, chicken broccoli & ziti, etc...

Or how about from a Supermarket deli that has coldcut platters, wing platters, veggie & fruit platters, etc...

 

[WDWAurora]

Good ideas guys, keep em coming. No Costco near here, unfortunately. We're having sandwich stuff for lunch (we're tailgating, I thought it was appropriate) so this kinda stuff is what I'm looking for...Pasta might get a little messy since I definitely won't have table space...I guarantee all the table space will probably be occupied by the food! I have a small townhouse and it's just not very big...

I think doing veggie and fruit trays with whatever we have is a good idea, I could get those from Sam's when I picked up the cake. Maybe some bean dip as well (layer of beans, layer of sour cream, layer of salsa, layer of cheese with green onions and black olives as garnish on top) since I love it...

Do you guys think that Quiznos or Subway does better for the party platters/big subs? I have both about an equal distance from the TH and I love Quiznos...I'm just indecisive on which would be better.

Thanks guys, you're a lot of help!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I like your chicken idea. Include some mac & cheese, pasta salad, &/or Bushes baked beans are easy. You can't go wrong with shrimp tray. Get it precooked/frozen at your grocery store.
Add a veggie tray for the vegetable.
Breadsticks sound good.
Good luck & Congrats!

 

[WDWAurora]

BUMP! You guys have such awesome ideas, thanks a lot!!

 

[kaseyC]

I see you are in NC, how about some type of Bar -B -Que. I f you did not want pork, you could always have pulled chicken or turkey. Add some sides such as slaw or other salads and some rolls. We also use to get different types of Hot Sauces for folks to experiment with.

 

[hercamore]

You asked whether quiznos or Subway is better....

We had Subway for DD's party and her GF had Quiznos. Quiznos sub was ok, nothing special. I don't think it keeps as well as Subway. Maybe others have a diff. experience.

herc.

 

[WDWAurora]

BBQ is definitely worth considering, good idea!

Thanks for the Quiznos/Subway opinion-I know that I normally prefer Quiznos, but how it keeps is definitely something that needs to be taken into consideration, especially since we'll be keeping them in a cooler part of the day. I think the Subway right by my place would do a really good job though...