What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

if you were invited to an outdoor luncheon for a shower (baby/bridal), how much choice/variety would be ideal?

what would you expect to see?

I am having something catered for the first time and I have a very serious problem of doing too much (when I cater things myself). Since buying this food is pretty $$, I REALLY need to rein it in, but I am deathly afraid I won't have enough food or variety.

how many different things would you want to fill your plate up with?

please keep in mind it would be cold food/sandwiches etc.

TIA

ETA:

good idea Hayley!

right now we are looking at Fairway. I shop there all the time and really like the freshness of the food...and there is one a doable distance from my house upstate...

fairway paramus menu

b/c I just cannot see myself spending so much money on a green salad, was thinking of making the salads myself (fruit, cesar, and mixed green...maybe fresh mozz and tomatoes...) but then I wonder...is that too much salad???

the sandwiches I like are the Italian Chicken and the bbq skirt steak..a little different that the normal cold cut. was thinking a 3 footer of each one...but then what?

right now I have ZERO idea how many people we will have...so it's kinda hard. but that is the menu. and those are my (current) thoughts.

Message edited 8/10/2009 1:48:47 PM.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

can you say what you're thinking of getting and maybe we can add/take away? i think it really depends on the types of dishes... KWIM?

orrr show me the catering place you found so i can look at the menu!

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

I would do appetizers

then for entree - sandwich/hero/wrap options (maybe 2), salad options (3-4) meaning your pasta salads, and mixed greens, then a few vegetable options

I think if you have a spread of 7-8 things, people will end up taking 4-5 things which is more than enough.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

good idea Hayley!

right now we are looking at Fairway. I shop there all the time and really like the freshness of the food...and there is one a doable distance from my house upstate...

fairway paramus menu

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

hmm okay, it's hard if we don't know how many people will be there...

i think a good assortment of salads is always a people-pleaser.

mixed greens, ceasar, mozz & tomato

the 2 sandwiches you picked sound good - or what about doing the pinwheels?

maybe a pasta salad and a potato salad?

and maybe just a veggie platter and antipasto platter for apps?

for dessert - fruit platter and cake?

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

3-4 salads (pasta green, potatoes, beans), 2 type of sandwiches and something else (either the antipasto or the meditarranean trio platter)

Message edited 8/10/2009 2:05:43 PM.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

I like the 2 hero options you picked, but (and I think this depends on the amount of people you have coming), I would be inclined to maybe do a tray of assorted wraps too and I would include maybe turkey and vegetable wraps (I'd pick more "traditional" in case people don't like the chicken or beef).

I think another thing you could do is get some of appetizer platters but serve some of them with the main meal - such as the grilled veggies or the sate platter looked good (though I don't know if they are hot or cold??)

I also don't think you are crazy on considering making the salads yourself. I've done that before with parties. It's a lot cheaper and really easy.

ETA: For the salads, I would maybe do a green salad, tomato and fresh mozz and a potato salad or pasta salad. I prefer the ones without mayo but I know a lot of people like the mayo ones!

Message edited 8/10/2009 2:05:20 PM.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

I am not sure if this helps, but i was talking to my mom this weekend and she gave me an idea of the food for our shower. So from what i gather there will be

asst of appetizers (just simple things)

salad
hot roast beef
meatballs
sausage peppers and onions
lunch meat tray
potato salad
pasta salad

then there will be cake and a few other little things.


So there isnt a ton to pick from but i think def enough. My mom is thinking we will have about 30 people. (I also come from a huge italian family , so it will be homemade, but everyone part takes in it, so one person isnt doing it themselves)

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

I was just going to ask the same question We are having a luncheon at our home after DS's christening (yes, I am planning a little early ) and want to get some ideas of what to order.


I was thinking of doing a wrap/sandwich platter, green salad, another salad (either pasts or potato) and have 2-3 hot trays (penne a la vodka, chicken francese, etc.)

Message edited 8/10/2009 2:23:23 PM.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

My mom is having my baby shower at her house and we were wondering the same thing. Right now our menu is:

APPS
Fruit & Cheese platter w/ crackers
Veggie platter
Sliced Italian meats-

LUNCH
Wraps & sandwiches- cold cuts, tuna salad, chick salad.
A pasta salad with mayo, lemon juice, and chopped tomatoes.....it's a friends recipe that everyone loves.
Greek pasta salad w/ sliced grilled chicken(cold)
Taco salad- My aunts recipe that I love.
Quiches- bacon spinach cheese, and ham & cheese.
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad (So good its a recipe I got that is a spin on sliced tom & mozz, but easier to prepare b/c it can be done earlier and then tossed together)

DRINKS
White & Red Sangria, Red/White Wine, Iced Tea, Water,

DESSERT
Cake w/ canoli filling, choc covered strawberries, and bakery cookies- ALL MY FAV!
Tea & Coffee

I posted tomato salad recipe on here!

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

If it were me I would probably do..

2 sandwiches

Green salad
Tom & mozz salad
Pasta salad
Antipasto
Rolls & butter

Fruit platter
Veggie platter

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

if it were my shower and I had to buy from Fairway this is what I'd do:

Make Green Salad

buy:

Med Trio Platter (hummus, etc.)

Grilled Veg Platter

2-3 quiches (depending upon people)

2 sand you picked

a pasta salad

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

Message edited 8/11/2009 5:39:24 PM.

Re: What would you say makes up a proper "spread" for a luncheon/shower type event?

Fairway catering for sandwiches is AWESOME and is so much food!! I have had several parties catered by them.

I usually get a "hero" 1/2 italian and 1/2 american (there are other options too) that Fairway cuts into individual sandwiches and places nicely on a platter. With the hero order they also INCLUDE a HUGE salad w/ dressing (I am talking take your arms and make a circle and that's how big the bowl is) and choice of two salads (again HUGE boat). I usually get coleslaw, mac/potato. All the food is fresh and delicious.

I have also ordered sandwiches and wraps from Fairway and they too were delicious. When you place an order they also come w/ salads too. The wraps are great b/c they can cut them into pinwheels which allows more pieces so people can sample several different pieces.