food for a party

**scrap_candles** · 08-18-2011, 10:13 AM

Just a small thirty-one party here for about 15 people and normally I can think of things to serve just fine but have been so busy I haven't even had time to think.

It will be at 6 so I probably need something a little more than appetizers but not sure what I want to serve. We have shredded chicken and sloppy joes at birthday parties and I want to stay away from that.

Think I having nacho dip and tortilla chips, maybe chocolate fondue with fruit (not sure on that one), german chocolate bars so the dessert type things are done but I need more food.

**The Muse** · 08-18-2011, 10:35 AM

I did a Middle Eastern theme that was a big hit... pita, falafel, tzatziki, hummus, tabouleh, veggies. People were free to load up like a meal or pick (veggies dipped in hummus, falafel balls dipped in tzatziki).

It was very inexpensive, though it might not work with all crowds.

**Libby** · 08-18-2011, 10:48 AM

For 15 people? Hmmm...Set it up like a mini buffet and they can pick and choose what they like.

Heartier entree suggestions:
* pizza - plain or with your own toppings
* calzones/pizza pockets
* mini subs - lay out all the options and everyone can DIY (deli meats, cheeses, buns, lettuce, tomato, onion plus condiments in dishes w/spoons)
* crockpot chili or meatballs, maybe even a stew?
* pasta salad, rice salad, quinoa salad
* cesar salad withi the option of adding in some sort of chicken
* quiche or fritatta
* rotisserie chicken purchased from the hot food counter - cut it up and plate it as if you cooked it yourself, serve with mashed taters, corn niblets etc

**peppermint66** · 08-18-2011, 11:45 AM

What type of party? All women, a mix of men and women?Casual, formal?
Okay, googled thirty one party.. so Im guessing women, casual.

Ceaser salad, pasta salad, small sandwiches, maybe egg, tuna or chicken salads, cheese and fruits, veggies and dip, pita and hummus.

**Ali Lee** · 08-18-2011, 12:19 PM

Are you telling people it's for supper? Could you make it pot luck? Are kids coming?
Me... make it simple & what's on sale. It's hot out... start grilling hot dogs, brats & polish sausage about an hour before people coming. Put them in a crock pot on warm. You have sloppy joe meat? Add that to baked beans & have cowboy beans. Cole slaw or potato salad, chips/dip & hot dog fixins. Iced tea & lemonade to drink. Bingo! Done! Some of the easy & simple foods taste the best. Enjoy yourself.

**scrap_candles** · 08-18-2011, 06:34 PM

thank you all, and those cowboy beans sound really good, can't believe I have never heard of them before.

**Judi Dial** · 08-18-2011, 07:19 PM

Also you can make appetizers by scooping out cherry tomatoes and putting in egg salad, tuna salad or chicken salad. If you've got chocolate papers, they look charming on those on a plate. Easy, cheap, look spiffy!

Judi

**mh3rdwheel** · 08-18-2011, 08:36 PM

If you have a whole ham with bone in , we would cut up green pepper, and onion and cook it down where it would fall apart (say 3 hours) then add several bottles of your favorite bbq sauce after emptying bottles, fill with water then add to ham mixture, let it cook down another hour, put on buns, rolls, or bread.

Make pasta salad, baked beans.