Help with party menu ideas...please?

I have my annual holiday party on Saturday night.....should be around 50 people through the course of the night.

I'd rather work like a dog tomorrow and Friday and not be a slave to the kitchen on Saturday night - - so I'd like to plan a menu that has a lot of make ahead items, and a handful of non-cook things (I like to have a sampling of stuff that doesn't need to be hot so it's always ready since our friends tend to show up whenever they want).

I'm just going for a variety of finger foods - as well as an assortment of desserts. I'm thinking a pasta bake, an artichoke dip, some cocktail meatballs....and maybe a taco salad thingy.

Any help for ideas that can be prepped ahead to make the party fun for me too?

Thanks!!!

Re: Help with party menu ideas...please?

Maybe some quiche or some mini hotdogs, english muffin pizzas, mexican dip for chips...

Message edited 12/28/2007 8:23:53 PM.

Re: Help with party menu ideas...please?

It's probably too late by now but we usually serve shrimp cocktail, fresh mozz wrapped with prociutto, anti pasta platter. Costco has assorted frozen appetizers that heat up quickly. Pigs in a blanket are must have. Things like skewered chicken & beef are easy and don't need to be piping hot. You can mix up the flavors -- plain, terriaki, buffalo style, etc. Cheese & cracker platters, chips & dip are easy stand bys.