Need party food advice!

alilag · May 2011

Hey all,

Hope everyone is doing well. I haven't posted in a while but there hasn't been too much going on. I passed my glucose screen, had my last cervical length check yesterday (yay! no bedrest yet) and my ice craving was a sign of a very slight anemia (my hematocrit was 32) so started on slow fe. The babies are growing and kicking and both flipped breech on the last ultrasound . We started childbirth class & love it! DH is surprisingly really into it. Anyhow, the reason for my post is....

I'm having a very informal, low-key open house this Saturday. It is going to be from 1-8ish & some close family & friend will probably be there even later. DH is grilling hot dogs & burger & I would like to prep as much as I can the day before. A lot of people are bringing over a dessert or appetizer too (thank heavens). I am going to buy a veggie & fruit tray & some dips pre-made. Anyone have an easy pasta salad recipe or other apps that are make-ahead & easy they can share?

Also,

This is the first time DH & I will have kids over ever! I am pretty nervous that they wont like the food (I know kids can be picky). I know they'll eat burgers & hot dogs & I'm going to pick up some juice boxes so they don't run around the place with cups of soda. Any other tips or advice would be great! TIA. Wish me luck

jlpowers82 · May 2011

For pasta salad I always use the tri-colored pasta, chop up some sharp chedder cheese (or whatever you like), broccoli florets, black olives, sometimes pepperoni or ham and then toss it with Italian dressing. I usually use Robusto (I think wishbone makes it). Everything else sounds good, have fun!

mdslater919 · May 2011

Like PP said! Pasta Salad is a quick and easy one! If you really want to make it easy on yourself you can buy the packages of cheese crumbles or cubes (so you dont have to spend time cutting it up) and they have mini pepperoni too!

ETA: Taco salad would be a good one you could make ahead too. Cook the burger and season with taco seaoning and add cheese and whatever veggies to it with a little bit of dressing (you could do this the day before) Then before you serve it add the lettuce and crushed doritos (so they dont get too soggy) and dressing, I always use thousand island for mine but I know people use other dressings to!

aozmomma · May 2011

Another make-ahead idea is seven layer dip with the refried beans, sr crm, cheese, etc.

mbritto4 · May 2011

My DD loves fruit and many kids like veggies, so if you have a fruit tray and veggie tray that's at least something most kids will eat.

I usually use the Good Seasons zesty italian dressing mix and make it according to directions (vinegar/water/oil) and its better if it sits overnight so the pasta really soaks it in.

Knorr/Lipton makes a good spinach/artichoke dip mix, just follow the directions/ingredients in the packet. I serve it with tortilla chips and pitas.

Can't go wrong with your favorite chips/salsa usually either. I like peach salsa with the lime tostidos.

MouseInLux · May 2011

Here they like to use the twirly pasta, then they boil a few eggs, mush up a can of tuna, mush the boiled eggs up and put it all together. Just before serving they add a tablespoon or so of Mayo. If you want you can add corn, cheese or pickle pieces to it too.

tweller · May 2011

One of the biggest hits at all of our parties is taco dip. I however do a really simple verzion. Purchase some sour cream (16oz) and mix it with taco seasoning. Use this as your base layer. I then put salsa over top (you can use any kind, I preferred the frest kind that's normally in the produce section at the store) and then I cover it up with mexican cheese, I tend to use like 2 bags of the cheese so there is a decent amount on the top. If I have it at a party we have or take it to a party, it's usually the first thing that is gone. You can obviously add to it, but I like to keep it simple.

Kristen61607 · May 2011

Spinach Artichoke Bites

BLT Macaroni Salad

Dill & Cheddar Cornbread

Creamy Corn Casserole

MrsS2203 · May 2011

I think all the food sounds good for adults. I just wanted to add that I was a picky kid who wouldn't(still dont) eat hamburger or hotdogs. If the host had/has cheese/toppings for burgers I'm able to make myself a sandwich of sorts. I would suggest having PB&J on the side just in case you notice a kid not eating.

graceb15 · May 2011

I have a really easy dip recipe that people love. Its a can of no-bean chili and a brick of cream cheese. Microwave them together in a bowl, stirring every once in awhile and serve warm with chips. Its yummy and always a big hit!

alilag · May 2011

Thanks ladies! You've given me some great recipes

Working on the pasta salad this afternoon.

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