Cooking for Parties/Baptism Help

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Expert: - 7/7/2008


Question
I am having a baptism for my daughter and I'm planning to have a small family reception (~35 adults).  The service is at 10:30 but it will last an hour or so.  So the reception (luncheon) will be at 12pm. I was thinking of serving for appetizers: Veggie Tray, Shrimp, and Fruit and Cheese Tray along with punch or etc.  Then around 2pm, give a choice of a Garden Salad, Yankee Pot Roast or Chicken Cordon Blue, and roasted potatoes.  I was wondering if 1) how much of the meats I should get? I heard it was 1/2lbs per person but I'm thinking with the appetizers served it could change 2)It's in September 2008, so any other ideas of things I could serve or maybe change my menu?

Answer
If you wait until 2 pm to feed them, they will either be too full of appetizers to eat or so hungry that they will have left the party.  I would move the lunch time to 1 pm or as close as possible. The appetizers sound good, and you should have 6-8 oz of cooked meat entree per person, and Pot Roast is a pretty heavy meal for lunch on a hot day so a lighter entree might be better.  Chicken Caesar salad might be good along with whatever dessert you are serving--you are having substantial appetizers, you could add a couple of more appetizer choices and the Salad makes a perfect lunch.

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Teri Davis Newman

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I am a wedding and party planner in St. Louis, Missouri and I do weddings and parties all over the country! My brides are my number one priority as I understand how important their wedding day is to them! Any questions about catering and cooking for large groups. This would include recipes, cooking techniques, what to serve, how to prevent food poisoning, food storage and food integrity. I have thousands of recipes that are scaled for large groups and gatherings and will be happy to share them! If you are in need of professional assistance for helping you to plan your wedding, party or corporate event, please feel free to contact me! I do a limited amount of weddings and parties every year in order to make sure that I have the best service for my clientele. Feel free to visit my business website at this address: WWW.EXQUISITEEVENTSUSA.COM for detailed information on what services I offer. I have price point weddings for every budget--no matter what size and I am very specific about what you get for your hard-earned money.

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Catering and parties are a large part of the restaurant business. I do a lot of catering for local parties and weddings.
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Graduate, Le Cordon Bleu, Tokyo, Japan

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Graduate, Le Cordon Bleu, Tokyo, Japan

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