Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Any Suggestions?

We're putting together plans for THE big graduation bash coming up in a months. So far, our guest list is about 125 or so, About 50 of them are family members that are ALL local. If we were like the majority of the students at the seminary, I wouldn't bother with a party, but since Geoff grew up in this area, all of his family live here too, and we go to the church he grew up in too, a party is in order. SO, we're tring to be cheap, but not look cheap. :) I have to rent a pavillion at a park since these people would NEVER fit in my 2 bedroom apartment, not to mention parking. For the food, we decided last night to go with a taco/mexican food buffet. I'm thinking ground meat (kept warm over a sterno), with hard & soft tacos, veggie fixings like tomatoes, lettuce, olives, some cheese, and sour cream. We'll also have some chips & dips made with salsa, cheese, etc. I'd also like a veggie tray or two. For drinks, I'm going to do a punch and have some bottled water in a cooler.
So, now I need your help. Anyone have an easy punch recipe? How about any good mexican dips that are to die for?? How about easy side dishes? Any help would be appreciated!

6 comments:

Carrie said...

I would suggest cornbread - you can make it ahead of time and serve room temp. Also blondies and brownies would make a good dessert. At the Wilds every thursday we would have "Walking Tacos" We had all the fixings on frito chips. Yummy (I don't know if that would be cheaper for you)

pamela s said...

Good idea, Carrie! I love cornbread. We'll be having a traditional graduation cake made. A lady in our church does it professionally, so I'll probably use her. But, the brownies might add a nice touch too. Hmmm.

Jenny said...

Hey Pam,
I'm not a big punch fan, but we had this one at our wedding - it's sherbet and pop. Sounds weird, but I think it quenches thirst better than some others. We made it with about 2 cups of sherbet to 1 2-liter, and used raspberry soda (from Walmart) and raspberry sherbet. I bet it would be good with lemon-lime and either lime or pineapple sherbet as well, and you can experiment with the proportions. You could always do just lemonade as well - that is always good at a picnic, especially with Mexican food!!

christina said...

i have two good, and easy, dip recipes. they are both layered dips perfect for tortilla chips.

for the first one you'll need refried beans, sour cream, taco seasoning, shredded cheese, and some toppings like lettuce, tomato, scallions, olives (yuck--but some people like them) spread the beans on a medium serving platter (or just a 9x13 if that's available) mix a packet of taco seasoning with a medium tub of sour cream and spread that on top of the beans, then top with lettuce, cheese, tomato, scallions etc... super easy and one of my faves!

the second one is from vivian, and i can't remember it exactly but i think it's a can of chili, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to top. soften the cream cheese and nuke the chili for a minute or two. then spread the chili (maybe that's supposed to be refried beans, but i think chili sounds right) on a plate or 9x13, the spread the softened cream cheese, then top with cheese and nuke until the cheese is melted and everything's warmish. is that vague enough for you? :) that one goes great with fritos. delish!

here's a thought: would any family be willing to help by bringing a veggie or fruit tray? i ALWAYS enlist the help of my closest fam b/c i know they understand how expensive things can get when you throw a party and they are usually very willing to help out with one little thing. that takes TONS of pressure off you too. i don't want to come across pushy...just an idea i use.

pamela s said...

Christina, Those sound easy. Thanks! Don't worry about me. I've already got my eye on a couple people to hound on. :) Actually Geoff's mom & sisters are willing to help out, and his aunts always offer to bring things too. It's just nice to be able to tell them what to bring.

pamela s said...

Oh, I forgot. Lemonade is a great idea, Jenny! I'm not a big punch person either. Too sugary for me!