[mrsrodgers]

OK girls....I am all of a sudden having a panic attack. I am throwing a party for 150 people in three weeks for my parents 50th wedding anniversary and it has just hit me and I am a basket case....I thought I had the food (which of course we are making ourselves) figured out but now talking to people (mostly my grandma) I feel as though I won't have enough...so here is my "menu"...BBQ tri tip (a necessity with my family) roasted red potatoes, caesar salad and rolls..and of course wedding cake which I won't be making....I have been told that I need another veggie besides salad and that I should have more than one type of salad....what do you girls think??? (I am so stressed that I am going to make this mole hill into a mountain!!!!) If you think of any salads that makes a lot and is easy please let me know....

[kblythe]

I think that menu sounds great, and I don't know why people think you need anything else! I certainly don't think you need another salad ... Most people like caesar salad and if they don't, chances are they just don't like salad! If you feel compelled to do another veggie, a really quick easy veggie that is tasty is roasted broccoli. I buy the bags of already cut broccoli, toss it in a little olive oil, and salt (pretty generously, but I don't have blood pressure issues!) with garlic salt. I then roast for 15-18 minutes in a high oven ... usually over 400 degrees. About halfway through, I give the roasting pan a good toss.

Or if the oven is tied up with the potatoes, what about green beans?

Good luck. I'm sure the party will be a blast! Make sure to enjoy yourself.

Kathryn.

[hopeful2bmom]

some sauteed collard greens sound good with that menu Or how about baked beans?

[jencat215]

green beans with shallots...yum!

I don't think you need more food. Are you going to have appetizers? If you put out cheese and crackers, veggies/chips and dips, maybe some olives, people will fill up on that stuff.

I am a big fan of a greek salad for dinner parties. I use romaine lettuce, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese. You can add tomatoes (I do when they look really good) or other stuff. But ceaser is great and is my other favorite. And if you have bread (rolls), I think you will definitely be fine.

Sounds like a fun party

[sarah16]

I vote for the veggies and dip, quick and easy. Or broccoli/raisin salad.

[CryingInside]

I agree with everyone else. Some kind of starter would fill people up and then you really wouldn't need much else. But, if you do feel like you need another vege the green beans, baked beans, or even corn would be really simple. It sounds like you have a fabulous menu planned so I wouldn't stress about it too much.

[MamaSoon]

My 2 cents...
You are throwing a party and not opening a restaurant. You don't have to provide a full menu and you don't have to cater to everyone's requests. That being said, it is a party for your parents so if the food pleases your parents, then I think you are set. If people don't find their preferred choice, so what. If the party is a good one and they don't leave hungry, you are fine! I agree that having plenty of appetizers really helps fill people up.

I come from a huge family of foodies and pleasing them when planning for 150 would be tough. Your menu sounds good. I have two recipes for salads that have pleased people. One is a broccoli asian salad with almonds and the other is a spinach salad. If you want the recipes, I'd be happy to pass them on. Or how about a HUGE green salad and a couple of bowls of different dressings next to it. So everyone there is something for everyone.

If you have a few of vegetarians, it can be nice to plan for them. A veggie platter with dips (french onion and non dairy something like hummus) covers that. But you know your audience.

I think that green beans or broccoli can be quick and nice too. Those can be prepared simply with things like shallots or bacon crumbles and almond slivers. You could just have a grill-roasted vegetable medley too (red peppers/green peppers/onions/zuch/mushrooms/onions) You could have creamed spinach if people like that. So many easy options. You can pre-grill some veggies maybe. Not sure.

I hope you have helpers for the kitchen! You are sooooo nice to be hosting this party yourself! I am very impressed. That is quite an event!

Sorry to ramble on. If you want to, you can always PM me.

[mrsrodgers]

Thanks girls...I didn't sleep well last night stressing out and my DH told me what will be will be (easy since he isn't making the food) My brothers have just left it all up to me to decide whatever is fine with them. (I just send them a bill) I was going to skip appetizers but I may put out something now (I am always unsure whether to do appetizers or not) and I may add a couple of salads just to get it done....my one brother told me to just buy a bag of lettuce and call it good (yeah - now you know why I am in charge)..all the food you guys mentioned sounded really good to me! THANK YOU for dealing with my stressed out rambling!!!!

[sarah16]

Good luck with your party girlie! We are all behind you!

[Junebug]

I agree with everyone else- a veggie/dip platter would be a good appetizer and/or cheese and cracker tray. You could even get these made up at a store/deli since your brothers are footing the bill.

If you did a pasta salad, it would cover another type of salad and also be a good and filling option for anyone who doesn't like or eat steak.

[missywojo]

Sandi, what about some veggie trays and dips and crackers from Costco? that way you just open them up and put them out? I'm big on appetizers. What about a pasta salad for the second salad?

[Sarah_84]

Good luck with the party! I agree with the pasta salad and some appitisers. Keep it simple to relieve stress! I'm sure it will go well no matter what you decide and as one of the other girls said, if your parents are happy, that's all that matters!

[mrsrodgers]

Thanks girls - I think I am feeling a little less stressed after a pretty good weekend and got a lot accomplished for the party. I feel better now that I have the cake ordered and all the tables and chairs and things like that....a load off my mind now! I am definitely doing another salad maybe three in total. (I have been told that you do things in odd numbers not even - not sure why but whatever)

Thanks for the advice and I think a veggie tray sounds like a really good idea....(I am always worried there won't be enough food and I know that I always end up with so many left overs) Thanks girls - I know that I will be stressing out again in the next few weeks!

[larklynn]

You'll have to tell us what you end up with I am sitting here getting hungry looking at your menu! Good Luck