What would you add to this party menu? UPDATED

Ds' 1st bday is coming up and I'm trying to plan the menu. The party is at home, under a tent, and in the afternoon. It will be catered but nothing fancy. (about 40-50 people)

Here's what I have so far:

American Hero
Another hero (maybe chicken/mozzarella/red pepper)
maybe a smaller veggie hero

Garden Sald with assorted dressings

Chicken wings w/ celery and carrot sticks

Sausage and peppers w/ some rolls

Penne a la vodka

*Shrimp - big maybe, would you include this

Swedish meatballs (what side do these go with)

*recommend a starchy side dish

*chicken dish (don't want chicken francais or marsala)

I'd like some variety. Plus, enough to satisfy the inevitably picky people. All the while not making my menu too chaotic bc the choices don't go with each other. What should I add?

Editted again based on some suggestions. Feel like I'm getting closer to a final menu

Message edited 9/13/2010 4:08:29 PM.

Re: What would you add to this party menu?

I would order a pasta such as baked ziti or penne ala vodka, which would go well with the s & p and the beef or chicken dish you order. Chicken francese is usually a crowd pleaser. Sorry I have no suggestions about a beef dish as I usually never order beef when I have something catered.

Re: What would you add to this party menu?

How about instead of another meat hero do a grilled veggie one?

Caesar or Garden Salad is good

Have celery and carrot sticks for a side with the wings

Just do bread/rolls for the sausage and peppers

Maybe some fried shrimp if it's not too pricey. - I'd do shrimp cocktail instead

Chicken dish - do chicken marsala or chicken francese

Beef dish - swedish meatballs

Re: What would you add to this party menu?

Definitely order a pasta side.

Also maybe some kind of rice or potato side?

Potato salad maybe?

Re: What would you add to this party menu?

Ok, IMO- I HATE ceasar salad. I get so annoyed when people only have that as a salad choice. I love salad, just not ceasar. I know quite a few people who agree with me. Sooo, I'd do a nice garden salad with different types of dressings on the side.

Chicken Franciase/Parm or Marsala are all good choices.

If you don't do the veggie hero, I'd do something else for people who don't or won't want to eat meat..Eggplant Parm maybe??

Re: What would you add to this party menu?

i would do a rice side or potatoes (something starchy)

ETA: i would go with chicken francaise, cant go wrong

Message edited 9/13/2010 3:57:05 PM.

Re: What would you add to this party menu? UPDATED

what about a chicken rollatini or chicken cordeon Blue?

Noodles are a traditional side for swedish meatballs.

roasted potatoes or mashed are probably the most simple.... but I love au gratin potatoes and might go that way!

Re: What would you add to this party menu? UPDATED

Egg noodles for the swedish meatballs. I don't know if you'd really need it though since you already have a pasta. Maybe rice or roasted potatoes instead?

I'd also do chicken parm for the chicken dish and do a chicken hero.