Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 8/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I am having a surprise 75th birthday party for my Dad. There will be approx 40 guests ranging from 10 to 80 years old.  My Mom and Dad are diabetic and don't drink alchol.  I am so far thinking meat tray, veggie tray, cooking a ham and roast beef with buns, salads etc.. I am trying to watch how much I spend and not sure how much to do and thought you might have some other great ideas??
I look forward to hearing back from you. (the party is Aug 9th)
Cheers,
Shannon

ANSWER: You don't need a meat tray if you are doing a ham and a beef roast.  I really can't tell you much about what to do since you didn't tell me if it's a sit-down dinner or a buffet and what time of day you are having it.  I need a little more info to help you in your selections, but please feel free to get back to me with the needed info and we can go from there.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello and thank you for getting back to me.  Sorry I missed out on some important info.  It is from 2pm - 7pm and its not a sit down.  I have rented table and chairs so that there is somewhere to sit and eat.  However, I think it will be mostly mingling around.  (it's now supposed to rain - YIKES)  I look forward to hearing back from you :)

Answer
Choose just one meat for everyone.  Adding a second meat means you will have a lot of leftovers.  When in doubt, do chicken or turkey.
Have a great time!
Also, serve the buffet from like 4-6 and serve snacks/apps before that time and dessert and coffee after--otherwise you are going to have to keep the buffet going all day which means you will have to keep the roast beef hot (which will make it well done early), so I'd go with the ham.