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Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

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mama2charlotte
LIF Adult

Member since 7/12

1014 total posts

Name:
Kimberly

Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

So I am having an adult-only ugly sweater party at 7:30 on a Friday. Some people are coming more towards 8:30. Most guests have small kids they will have to feed.
Should I serve ample warm and cold appetizers and dessert only?

Or, should I serve a dinner also? I was thinking heroes and some trays of food.

I certainly don't want to be cheap. I just don't want the food to go untouched.

Please help!

Posted 11/29/16 6:58 PM
 
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult

Member since 7/08

22665 total posts

Name:
Erica

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Apps and desserts are perfect. At an adult party I like to walk around, drink, etc. I find sitting for dinner ruins the buzz. Lol
Then you have to make sure there's enough seating and tables. So much easier with finger foods. Chat Icon
I never have to put down my drink.

I always wish the cocktail hour at weddings and parties were longer. Lol

Posted 11/29/16 7:31 PM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Apps are fine. I usually serve so many apps that you could technically make a meal out of it. So even if people come starving they'd be fine
In fact I like it better than regular dinner!

Posted 11/29/16 10:01 PM
 

hmm
Sweet

Member since 1/14

7993 total posts

Name:

Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

LOVE apps and dessert for something sweet or put out a bowel of plain/peanuts M&M

Posted 11/29/16 10:15 PM
 

BaysideForever
LIF Adult

Member since 1/11

9976 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

apps and desserts. just make the apps bountiful!

Posted 11/30/16 8:08 AM
 

sameinitials
insert creative comment here

Member since 2/12

1998 total posts

Name:

Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Yup, when I have parties I will often just do many types of apps/dips along with a cheese platter and a veggie platter, and desserts. sometimes I will make a couple fancy pizzas and cut them into smaller pieces.

Posted 11/30/16 11:11 AM
 

NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!

Member since 5/11

10413 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!

Posted 11/30/16 12:06 PM
 

oldtimerocknroll
LIF Adult

Member since 11/14

1656 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

I think larger, filling appetizers and desserts are fine.

Posted 11/30/16 1:48 PM
 

MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!

Member since 5/06

14562 total posts

Name:
Marisa

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by NervousNell

Apps are fine. I usually serve so many apps that you could technically make a meal out of it. So even if people come starving they'd be fine
In fact I like it better than regular dinner!



this exactly -

any time I do apps AND dinner .....NOONE eats dinner b/c I've stuffed them w/ apps

Posted 12/1/16 2:32 PM
 

mama2charlotte
LIF Adult

Member since 7/12

1014 total posts

Name:
Kimberly

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?

Posted 12/1/16 2:43 PM
 

jlm2008
LIF Adult

Member since 1/10

5092 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.

Posted 12/1/16 3:52 PM
 

mama2charlotte
LIF Adult

Member since 7/12

1014 total posts

Name:
Kimberly

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)

Posted 12/1/16 3:59 PM
 

EricaAlt
LIF Adult

Member since 7/08

22665 total posts

Name:
Erica

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)



We got a bunch of apps from Costco for a party that were great
Coconut Shrimp
puff pastry
crab cakes
Swedish meatballs

You can do mini pizzas if you like or get a sushi tray

We do some app parties a lot. Especially NYE with friends. I think with the meatballs and adding some more apps you're fine. Some people may have eaten and others will have plenty to choose from. If I'm invited to a cocktail party I'm more excited for the drinks!
Chat Icon Chat Icon

Posted 12/2/16 9:00 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)



I always go to BJs and get some of their frozen apps. They have some fancier ones.
I once got these mini Shepard's pies that were amazing.
Things like that.

Then I do a hot clam dip- tastes like a baked clam but without the shell- serve with crackers or bread (and it's easy to make, I"ll post the recipe if you want it)

Buffalo chicken dip is also a huge hit.

I do a hot bean dip that you serve with Frito scoops that is amazing

Cheeseburger crescent ring

7 layer taco dip

Then of course a cheese/cracker/pepperoni platter

Veges and Dip

Hummus etc


Message edited 12/4/2016 10:54:25 PM.

Posted 12/2/16 9:27 AM
 

BargainMama
LIF Adult

Member since 5/09

15657 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

I would just do apps and desserts! I just had an adult gingerbread decorating night, and that's what we had. Everyone brought something also, so we had a ton of things to pick from!

I bought the bacon mac and cheese balls from BJ's...sooo good!! Also the deli spirals and toasted them. I made taco dip, cheese and cracker tray, veggies and dip, a peppermint chocolate trifle, gingerbread mini cakes (from bjs). Then all of the stuff other people brought. We had a TON leftover.

Message edited 12/4/2016 9:30:52 PM.

Posted 12/4/16 9:27 PM
 

jlm2008
LIF Adult

Member since 1/10

5092 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)



Sorry, forgot I posted on this! The suggestions everyone gave after me are good! If you want another idea, I personally love Strombolli! You can buy them ready made if you don't want to make one and just heat up beforehand.

Posted 12/5/16 7:00 PM
 

mama2charlotte
LIF Adult

Member since 7/12

1014 total posts

Name:
Kimberly

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)



Sorry, forgot I posted on this! The suggestions everyone gave after me are good! If you want another idea, I personally love Strombolli! You can buy them ready made if you don't want to make one and just heat up beforehand.


I was thinking that..where do they see them remade?

Posted 12/5/16 7:05 PM
 

queensgal
Smile

Member since 4/09

3287 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Here's things I've done

Bruschetta pizza cut into small bites (ordered from place)
7 layer Greek dip - meat, hummus, tziki, veggies, feta
Pulled pork empanadas with jalepino jelly to dip
Shrimp salad in endive cups
Mini grilled cheese with fig jam and truffle
Orrichette with chorizo and shrimp
Tortellini Pesto skewers
Buffalo chicken dip
Jalepino poppers
Toast with goat cheese, beets, mandarin orange
Toast with oven dried tomatoes
Mini crab cakes
Fruit platter

We hosted parties for years.

I would add a pasta (can do skewers) and buffalo chicken dip - people love that. Shrimp cocktail is easy, healthy and good. I always like to have a few healthy options for people wanting to keep it light.

Posted 12/6/16 4:32 AM
 

jlm2008
LIF Adult

Member since 1/10

5092 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by jlm2008

Posted by mama2charlotte

Posted by NYCGirl80

I'd do "heavy" apps and dessert and that's perfect! This way people don't leave hungry but also aren't bogged down with having to eat a full meal. Plus, most people love apps anyway!



So this is what I have so far for appetizers:
*Tons of cheeses and crackers,
*Hummus, spinach dip, tortilla chips and pita chips
*Olives and meats
*Mozzarella sticks
*pigs in a blanket, quiches, puff pastry with spinach
*veggie tray

Anything I'm forgetting?
Should I do shrimp?
A bruschetta with those toast things?



I would do some more heavier apps....the cheese, crackers, hummus, veggie tray I consider to be light.



Okay. Would love some suggestions. :)



Sorry, forgot I posted on this! The suggestions everyone gave after me are good! If you want another idea, I personally love Strombolli! You can buy them ready made if you don't want to make one and just heat up beforehand.


I was thinking that..where do they see them remade?



I've gotten them at Ivarone, Stop & Shop & Associated near deli or prepared foods. Shoprite may have them, but I have never checked there.

Posted 12/6/16 8:19 AM
 

mrsdukes
LIF Adult

Member since 1/09

943 total posts

Name:
Liz

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Don't know if you live near an Uncle Giuseppe's but they have a good variety of Strombolis that are a hit at parties.

Posted 12/6/16 1:33 PM
 

cj7305
=)

Member since 8/05

12296 total posts

Name:

Re: Do I serve dinner or just appetizers and dessert?

Crockpot. 2 bags of frozen meatballs (I use the Nature's promise) can of cranberry sauce. Cup of BBQ sauce. Cook on low. Simple, delicious and filling.

You can also buy a couple of grandma pies and slice them into little pizza squares.

Posted 12/6/16 8:57 PM
 
 

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