When you have a party...

[mamacatnv]

OP I think your menu is fine - what does it matter if there are 10 or 100 as long as you have enough to go around, who cares. The argument that it is "thin" for 100 people makes no sense to me........if someone would like to explain what the difference is, I am curious.

I honestly am shocked at the number of people that go to a party and expect their tastes/lifestyles to be catered too, ie "too much pork" "mayo is unhealthy" "you need more healthy choices" "should have non meat options" etc. etc. etc. Maybe the OP is using all beef hotdogs, that is what I use. I never ever use anything but Hebrew National dogs - so there, a pork and a beef along with beans, pasta, fruit, Potato salad, cucumber salad and jello......sounds like a good picnic to me!

I would up the amount per person to at least 2 dogs/brats per person. I would count 2 for kids and 3 for adults but maybe my crowd are big eaters.

IMO if a guest is so worried about what is being served they can eat before they get there. Gheesh

OP - as far as beer, we ran into this for DS grad party, I bought 4 kinds. Bud Light Lime, Sierra NV Ale, Budweiser and Corona. All in the bottles, we co-hosted with friends who thought we needed more variety and he bought several of the microbrews....Fat Tire etc. We ran out of BudLight Lime, had more micro's left over than we knew what to do with but the "mainstream" beers all took a significant hit. A small wading pool filled with ice works out really well.

BTW - Congrats, have fun and I agree have it all done ahead of time, this is a one time event, remember it and enjoy it.

ETA: While I was typing this the OP's post of the Beef Dogs and the type of pasta salad was updated. I always assumed the pasta was a vinegar base otherwise in my neck of the woods it would be called a macaroni salad

 

[JerseyJanice]

OP here~

Just to clarify, the hot dogs are beef, the potato salad is mayo based, the pasta salad is vinegar based with several different kind of veggies and we will have a veggie tray, chips/dips, cracker/cheese... as munchies.

For those that say to add another meat, how do you figure your count? If I add burgers and/or chicken DH thinks that I should count 1 1/2 brats + 1 1/2 burgers and/or pieces of chicken per person. If we do it his way, we'll have way too many left-overs. If we don't do this, someone that wants a brat may end up with a burger and/or chicken. I know that I can freeze them but we never reheat them so I usually end up throwing them away. Plus, all of the extra buns would go to waste.

I should add that I always have extra uncooked meat on hand just in case. If we run out, we would fire the grill back up.

Not that it really matters but we'll be leaving for Hawaii (Make-A-Wish trip for my youngest DD) about 10 days after the party so I'm pretty stressed right now.

Keep the suggestions/opinions coming.

If you have a warehouse membership (Costco, BJ's or Sam's), buy a big package or two of frozen burgers. You can grill a bunch, see how they go, and cook more if needed. What you don't use, including the rolls, just keep in the freezer. Definitely plan a burger meal or two for your family after the party.

Your cucumber salad sounds delish! Definitely keep that. Are you doing a tossed salad as well? Serve the dressing on the side and it will keep to have after the party with your burgers.

Have a great time in Hawaii! That was where my niece chose for her Make-A-Wish trip, and her family made some wonderful memories there.

 

[NikitaZee]

I honestly am shocked at the number of people that go to a party and expect their tastes/lifestyles to be catered too, ie "too much pork" "mayo is unhealthy" "you need more healthy choices" "should have non meat options" etc. etc. etc. Maybe the OP is using all beef hotdogs, that is what I use. I never ever use anything but Hebrew National dogs - so there, a pork and a beef along with beans, pasta, fruit, Potato salad, cucumber salad and jello......sounds like a good picnic to me!

IMO if a guest is so worried about what is being served they can eat before they get there. Gheesh

The OP seems to be asking because she wants to be a good hostess. IMO a good host/hostess wants his/her guests to fully enjoy the event, which means accomodating as many people as possible while planning the menu. Hot dogs and brats are very similar - not much variety there for anyone who doesn't care for them. Also very fatty. As a guest to the party - I wouldn't complain about the menu. I just wouldn't eat much, maybe leave earlier than I'd planned to go grab a bite.

As for the bolded part - that's definitely not the attitude I have when I host a party!! I choose a couple of things that have broad appeal so everyone can have something they'll enjoy.

 

[CMHusband]

Start with lots of simple "nibblers" You could always good a few Italian sausages, then slice them up and put them in a crock pot with spaghetti sauce as an apetizer. Also chips, crackers with chees, dips, salsa, shrimp, veggies etc. This fills people up and then you need less food overall.

Planning for 90 people is hard, you will always have some leftover stuff, and run out of something you had no idea would be popular.

Have fun

 

[EllenFrasier]

Since you've already got hotdogs and brats, how about some chicken wings? They are not hard to prepare in the oven or you could order them somewhere. People love chicken wings. And I'd go for another salad of some kind - maybe potato. Have lots of juice boxes for those kiddos!
So what time do I come over?

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

If you go with wings, or any other messy finger food, don't forget the wipes!!! Unless you want sticky fingerprints in your house, especially in the areas that lead to the restroom.

 

[PghLybrt]

The OP seems to be asking because she wants to be a good hostess. IMO a good host/hostess wants his/her guests to fully enjoy the event, which means accomodating as many people as possible while planning the menu. .

I agree!
I go as so far to have veg and vegan as well as making sure i have enough gluten free. You do not want people thinking you don't care about them (I do not get that from the op at all). I would hate to have people leave to find something to eat.
The "to bad if they do not like it" attitude, I just do not get. That is not a good host and i would not want to go back. However one making an effort ( even if they do not get everyone) is the making of a good host. IMO

What about some hummus? I like the grilled portabella idea (i do that with some parm cheese and fresh thyme).

 

[bicker]

At our family reunion every year my Mom plans the menu with typical picnic types of food. I then plan a few things around hers that is more healthy and a few things that are vegetarian as a lot of the teenagers in my family are vegetarians and even though I'm not I know of a lot of good vegetarian and healthier type of things for people that are.

It is always a matter of interest, as vegetarians, whenever we go to some dinner party or party, whether the host/ess will take steps to accommodate us vegetarians. Now... I don't want to speak for other vegetarians, but I go to such events fully expecting to eat nothing. I place no expectations whatsoever on host/esses to craft their menu around us. I scan what is offered, perhaps inquire as to the ingredients, and then decide what, if anything I'll partake of. I would never think badly of a host/ess for not accommodating my vegetarianism (just like I would expect the host/ess to not think badly of me for not eating their food. )

I said, though, it was a matter of interest, but it actually becomes somewhat stickier when the host/ess has actually gone to the trouble of trying to accommodate vegetarians. It's often a little embarrassing, specifically when the host/ess has missed the mark in a fundamental way. I mentioned in another thread a few weeks ago that the most common issues is using chicken stock or gelatin in things. "Oops!" Sometimes, though, it's more subtle, like the assumption that vegetarians live on vegetables. It's our own darned fault for calling ourselves vegetarians - that word is so wrong. It would probably be more appropriate to call us bean-a-tarians. We eat vegetables just like people who eat animals. What make vegetarians different isn't the eating of vegetables, but rather the fact that we get our protein mostly from beans, nuts, legumes, and such (and some of us, also from dairy and eggs).

Anyway, the point of all this is a request: Keeping in mind that (at least as far as I'm concerned) host/esses are not obligated to accommodate vegetarians, if you do choose to try to do so, and you're not really clear on what vegetarianism is, then come back here to the CB and ask. There are a good number of us vegetarians who will be very happy to help.

 

[SaraJayne]

I agree!
I go as so far to have veg and vegan as well as making sure i have enough gluten free. You do not want people thinking you don't care about them (I do not get that from the op at all). I would hate to have people leave to find something to eat.
The "to bad if they do not like it" attitude, I just do not get. That is not a good host and i would not want to go back. However one making an effort ( even if they do not get everyone) is the making of a good host. IMO

What about some hummus? I like the grilled portabella idea (i do that with some parm cheese and fresh thyme).

Here you'd be laughed at if you served grilled mushrooms instead of meat. It just isn't done for the majority of people.

For everything else, we have typically "picnic" foods. Brats, burgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, chips, fruit, etc. Just like the OP is.

And honestly, it's never occurred to me that someone may not like something. If they don't like it, don't eat it.

But I'm one of those "no snowflakes allowed (children OR grown ups)" moms, so take that into consideration.

 

[focusondisney]

I like the party sub idea. Or how about deli sliced roast beef with rolls? You could have it in gravy or au jus or serve that on the side. And left overs would freeze well.

Is there any place near you with a specialty, like a chicken place? There's one near us that will do drop off. And their roasted chicken is crazy good. For parties we would usually just get chicken from them & do all the rest ourselves. Everyone loves their chicken & it really cuts down on the work.

Good luck deciding & congratulations to your DD!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OP I think your menu is fine - what does it matter if there are 10 or 100 as long as you have enough to go around, who cares. The argument that it is "thin" for 100 people makes no sense to me........if someone would like to explain what the difference is, I am curious.

I honestly am shocked at the number of people that go to a party and expect their tastes/lifestyles to be catered too, ie "too much pork" "mayo is unhealthy" "you need more healthy choices" "should have non meat options" etc. etc. etc. Maybe the OP is using all beef hotdogs, that is what I use. I never ever use anything but Hebrew National dogs - so there, a pork and a beef along with beans, pasta, fruit, Potato salad, cucumber salad and jello......sounds like a good picnic to me!

I would up the amount per person to at least 2 dogs/brats per person. I would count 2 for kids and 3 for adults but maybe my crowd are big eaters.

IMO if a guest is so worried about what is being served they can eat before they get there. Gheesh

OP - as far as beer, we ran into this for DS grad party, I bought 4 kinds. Bud Light Lime, Sierra NV Ale, Budweiser and Corona. All in the bottles, we co-hosted with friends who thought we needed more variety and he bought several of the microbrews....Fat Tire etc. We ran out of BudLight Lime, had more micro's left over than we knew what to do with but the "mainstream" beers all took a significant hit. A small wading pool filled with ice works out really well.

BTW - Congrats, have fun and I agree have it all done ahead of time, this is a one time event, remember it and enjoy it.

ETA: While I was typing this the OP's post of the Beef Dogs and the type of pasta salad was updated. I always assumed the pasta was a vinegar base otherwise in my neck of the woods it would be called a macaroni salad

It is a matter of personal opinion. I would never serve a menu that thin for that many people.

While you would be fine with that menu, I would not as a host. I am not speaking as a guest. I think you are confused. Nothing wrong with the difference of opinion. It is what it is.

I would have chicken and burgers and a lot more hot dishes in crockpots.

I like variety.

 

[bicker]

Here you'd be laughed at if you served grilled mushrooms instead of meat. It just isn't done for the majority of people.

I agree. My wife is a big grilled portobello fan, but I think there hasn't been a single time that she's had that for dinner somewhere and not commented on how hungry she was afterward. Grill portobello isn't a real substitute for a hamburger. Stick a slab of mozzarella on top, and then perhaps you have something (but not vegan!)

 

[mamacatnv]

The OP's DH wants to add additional types of sausage, additional potato & pasta salad along with more fruit. This is not adding veg, vegan, gluten free, healthier, leaner etc. it is adding more variety of the same things and I stand, why is the variety that the OP offering not enough?

I love to have parties, am considered a great cook, a great hostess and people don't leave early to go eat elsewhere. That said, I also do not offer a gazillion different things. I design a menu like the OP has with a theme, in this case Picnic and I go from there.

If I knew I had a specific guest with specific restrictions I would make sure I had something just for them - my auntie the diabetic cannot eat the ham and potates I make for Christmas, I always have an assortment of chicken, turkey and shrimp for her. The difference is I don't offer those menu alterations to the entire crowd. Everyone else gets ham, potatoes etc. and dang they come back every year.

Not offering a huge menu does not equate to bad hostess and with 90 people inevitably perhaps there may be someone whose tastes were not catered too but in reality to cater to 90 peoples tastes then the OP would need to send out a questionairre ahead of time and that IMO is not realistic.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Anyway, the point of all this is a request: Keeping in mind that (at least as far as I'm concerned) host/esses are not obligated to accommodate vegetarians, if you do choose to try to do so, and you're not really clear on what vegetarianism is, then come back here to the CB and ask. There are a good number of us vegetarians who will be very happy to help.

Definitely . I love your thread filled with vegetarian recipes! I was a vegetarian for a few years (I still don't eat meat more than a couple of times a month). Everything I make for parties/get-togethers/pot lucks I make a little index card with what's in the dish for not only the vegetarians but people with food allergies (we have several in my family and I can never remember what they can and can't have so I figure it's just safer to put it on the card!).

 

[PghLybrt]

Here you'd be laughed at if you served grilled mushrooms instead of meat. It just isn't done for the majority of people.

For everything else, we have typically "picnic" foods. Brats, burgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, chips, fruit, etc. Just like the OP is.

And honestly, it's never occurred to me that someone may not like something. If they don't like it, don't eat it.

But I'm one of those "no snowflakes allowed (children OR grown ups)" moms, so take that into consideration.

I did not say mushrooms instead of meat, I also would do a chicken or burger. MY GF can not have beef so I always make sure that there is something else. It also is a great veg alternative, and most meat eater love it too.

Not everyone will like everything but you also do not want them leaving early too?

I have no idea what you mean by the snowflake comment.

 

[mamacatnv]

It is a matter of personal opinion. I would never serve a menu that thin for that many people.

While you would be fine with that menu, I would not as a host. I am not speaking as a guest. I think you are confused. Nothing wrong with the difference of opinion. It is what it is.

I would have chicken and burgers and a lot more hot dishes in crockpots.

I like variety.

Just curious, would you serve a more limited menu for 10 people or would you still offer the additional crock pot items, the chicken and the burgers to go with the menu the OP has already stated?

People keep saying it is too thin for THAT many people and that is where I am confused. If you are the type that likes to offer a ton of variety then it makes sense whether there is 10 or 90 but to say not enough variety for that many people is where I don't understand the logic.

 

[PghLybrt]

Just curious, would you serve a more limited menu for 10 people or would you still offer the additional crock pot items, the chicken and the burgers to go with the menu the OP has already stated?

I think it is to thin not in volume but in variety. If you only have ten people over generally you know, to a degree, their likes and dislikes.

 

[Minnesota!]

Here you'd be laughed at if you served grilled mushrooms instead of meat. It just isn't done for the majority of people.

For everything else, we have typically "picnic" foods. Brats, burgers, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, chips, fruit, etc. Just like the OP is.

And honestly, it's never occurred to me that someone may not like something. If they don't like it, don't eat it.

But I'm one of those "no snowflakes allowed (children OR grown ups)" moms, so take that into consideration.

I think your menu looks fine. I routinely (as in pretty much monthly...) throw parties at home for 45 - 60 people. Last party I did 2 crockpots of chicken spaghetti, chips/dip, veggies, fruit (grapes and fresh pineapple), pasta salad, potato salad, and hmmm...there was one more thing but I can't remember.

This next one will be hot dogs, brats, saurkraut, chips/dip, beans, pasta salad, potato salad, cucumber salad, pickle dip, and sausage dip (w/ crackers for those).

You will be just fine! Just make sure you have enough of what you serve - I would go 2 hot dogs/child and 3 brats/adult. Leftovers can be used in many ways - cheesy brat stew is a good one! I will shoot you the recipe if you want it

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Just curious, would you serve a more limited menu for 10 people or would you still offer the additional crock pot items, the chicken and the burgers to go with the menu the OP has already stated?

People keep saying it is too thin for THAT many people and that is where I am confused. If you are the type that likes to offer a ton of variety then it makes sense whether there is 10 or 90 but to say not enough variety for that many people is where I don't understand the logic.

No. My family and I get together a lot and we always cook a variety. It is just what we do.

Heck, we cook a variety at home for the 4 of us. That way we have leftovers and you don't cook the next day.

I was siding with her DH because I would have more of a variety.

 

[Ceila]

I think it is to thin not in volume but in variety. If you only have ten people over generally you know, to a degree, their likes and dislikes.

I agree. For a small dinner party, you generally know the people quite well and plan as such. Even for DD's First Communion, though where I only had 14 guests, I served three different main dishes.

For such a large gathering as the OP is planning, I would plan a "deeper" menu, meaning I would offer a bit wider variety of entrees and sides. Hamburgers or chicken would be a good option, as would a large fruit salad. For that many people I would also have some type of a vegetarian main dish. As for how much to purchase, I do buy lots and then freeze and reheat. I would just be mortified if one of my guests didn't enjoy themselves because they couldn't find something they like to eat, and leftovers mean I don't have to cook for a while!