NPR-anyone ever cook for huge group?

lilpiglet

DH and I got volunteered to host Christmas dinner at our house.. woo hoo... hear the excitment in my voice!  there will be 25-30 people, i have no idea how to cook or how much to make for that many people.  Any ideas on foods to make or how much?  I think i heard once to peal 2 potatoes per person for mashed potatoes???   Here is the menu i'm thinking, should i take something out/add something

turkey and ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes, corn, dessert, rolls and drinks???

zacook

I cooked for 25 for chirstmas. I made a 22lb turkey.. I used the golden yukon potatoes so I didnt have to peel them... I used a bag and a 1/2...  I used 2 big bags of stuffing and could have gotten away with just one I believe... You dont need to cook as much as you think b/c there will be lots of food and so people get a little of this and a little of that... as for rolls and deviled eggs I made enough for everyone to have 1 1/2 b/c some people with go back for a 2nd one and some wont... hth

kelliross

I host one holiday party every year for about 25 people and the trick is this...you tell everyone to bring something or you will kill yourself!  You do the big items like one of the turkey along with the rolls, gravy and drinks.  you have someone else bring the ham, mashed potatoes, veggies, desserts...spread it all out.  tell THEM to make enough for 20 people and to bring in crock pots so you can just have them on the counter all plugged in and then it's a 'buffet line'  put the plates by the food and everyone gets what they want then they sit down.  set the table with all the silverware and napkins and glasses of water before they get theere, fill the glasses to the top with ice then fill with water just before they are supposed to arrive, by the time you eat it's melted a bit and everyone has a drink already on the table.

i personall like green beans instead of corn with that sort of dinner. if you have everyone do a small part you will enjoy your day, if you do it all yourself...you will be SO tired and will not have a good time.  Everyone brings a dish with a spoon etc. in a crockpot to keep it warm then just set up the buffet line.  have a few people bring different desserts, a couple pies/cookies etc.  everyone will help!!!!!!  have fun, good luck. 

zacook

I meant Thanksgiving this year!

happ17

25-30 is a typical get-together for our families.

You can take shortcuts. For the mashed potatoes, don?t peel them. Get red bliss potatoes, or just red potatoes, scrub them, cut into quarters, boil and mash. Mix in boursin or alloutte cheese and chives/scallions, you?re set with roasted garlic and herd red bliss potatoes. For pasta salad, for instance, just boil pasta, get a mixture of stuff from your grocery store?s antipasto section and mix it up. Etc.

I have a million ideas is you need.

hopefulmom

We usually have about 40 people at our get-togethers.  It sounds like you have enough meat with turkey and ham.  The stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes are good favs as well.  I would do the regular mashed since you are having gravy.  They are actually easier because they can be peel beforehand and just sit in water waiting to be boiled.  I would not do corn...or if you do also do a green veggie (greenbeans are a good choice).  I usually do the dreaded greenbean casserole because a lot of people like it and it can actually go in the microwave and then just crisp the onions on top at the last minute.  It will stay warm in a casserole dish as well.  You could also do a veggie tray or salad (personally I buy the already made up veggie trays...easier). 

I do like what the other pp mentioned regarding having people bring food.  I would just do the meats, potatos, dressing and gravy and have others bring veggies, rolls, desserts and drinks (pop).  If you are having alcohol you could supply that.  It makes things much easier and in my family it is just an accepted thing that where there is a large get-together (over 10 people) others bring a "dish".

lilpiglet

I never thought to have others bring a dish!!! I will suggest that to DH tonight and see what he says, being that it's his family we are hosting and they can be odd...I think I would also do the dessert though, his family goes to the store and buys already made things, which is fine, but for holidays i prefer homemade.