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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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menu/timeline... enough?
i think i have finalized the timeline and menu for the shindig.
please let me know if you think this is enough food for the timeframe/amount of people/etc.
estimated guess count: 65 (7 are children)
4:30pm: my "team" arrives to decorate.
5:00pm: guest to arrive
5:00pm - 5:30pm: waiting for birthday boy to arrive. appetizers: Tapenade Crostini, and Strawberry Endive Petals... alcohol limited to beer and wine
5:30pm: birthday boy arrival "SURPRISE"
6:00pm - 8:00pm: passed apps: Stuffed Mushrooms, Prosciutto Asparagus, Artichoke Crostini, Thai Chicken Skewers, Caprese Skewers, Chilled Tortellini, California Bruschetta... alcohol by consumption, limit to $13/drink (through to the end of the party)
7:00pm - 8:00pm: Short Rib Station
8:15pm: cake arrives, "happy birthday"
8:30pm: dessert, coffee, tea
10:00pm: party concludes
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Posted 9/5/18 12:52 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
what does the short rib station consist of, and why is it after the apps?
That's the only question i would have. i.e. if i was a guest and saw all the apps being passed, i would probably fill up on that assuming it was all the food there was.
So you may have people not utilizing the short rib station as much as if it was out from 6-7 instead of 7-8?
I would also perhaps suggest one other more substantial food item to be passed, as most things you have (other than chicken skewers and tortellini) are very light. You've got people drinking for 3 hours and if they're anything like my friends - you're going to want something to help soak up the drinks! i.e sliders, some sort of meat, bread etc
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| Posted 9/5/18 1:27 PM |
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twizzlers
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/14 874 total posts
Name:
x
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menu/timeline... enough?
I agree with the poster above. I would load up on the apps b/c I wouldn't know more was to come. I'd put it all out at the same time.
I also don't think you have enough time (30 min) to decorate. I would give an hour at least.
Message edited 9/5/2018 1:29:35 PM.
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| Posted 9/5/18 1:29 PM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
ooh, good points.
timing: easy to change
substantial foods: i can add one more station, but was debating it... pistachio crusted salmon
decorating: the venue/restaurant is pretty just the way it is, i'm bringing very few decorations...
* centerpieces
* two signs
* basket with favors
* faces-on-a-stick for the surprise
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| Posted 9/5/18 1:36 PM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Will your guests be aware that this is a cocktail party and not a buffet/ sit down affair ?
Passed apps are nice, but I would rather fill a plate and grab one or two of the passed apps.
I've been to parties where the wait staff are ambushed by guests as they come out of the kitchen, so the good stuff does not make it very far.
What comes with the short rib, or is it all by itself ?
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| Posted 9/5/18 1:49 PM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Sounds great, but agree with PP that the short ribs should also be out.
Maybe I'm minority, but I love app parties and cocktails. I don't feel so heavy and enjoy mingling, eating and drinking.
Also want to say do you have anything going on during the 5 hour party? Is there entertainment? Music? Fortune teller or having speeches or a roast?
Only asking bc it's a long party and wasn't sure if everyone will stay after you serve the cake and coffee. Feel like most people leave once desserts are out.
Oh, and I think you need more time decorating too, but depends on how the room is set up. For my parent's 50th we were there for hours doing the tables, setting up the bar, pictures, decorations, etc.
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| Posted 9/5/18 1:54 PM |
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
This is making me want to throw a party.
  
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| Posted 9/5/18 2:36 PM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
Is it possible to have the full bar open when guests arrive and only have beer and wine for the last hour? I know that I sometimes want a cocktail before I eat and then have wine with food, and I know others are the same.
I think if you are having cocktail hour - guests should be able to get cocktails.
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| Posted 9/5/18 3:14 PM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by EricaAlt
Also want to say do you have anything going on during the 5 hour party? Is there entertainment? Music? Fortune teller or having speeches or a roast?
Only asking bc it's a long party and wasn't sure if everyone will stay after you serve the cake and coffee. Feel like most people leave once desserts are out.
there will be a DJ and a dance floor
the restaurant is across the street from disneyland and there is full view of the fireworks at about 9pm.
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| Posted 9/5/18 3:23 PM |
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PearlJamChick
No one sings like you anymore.
Member since 7/10 9264 total posts
Name:
Petticoated Swashbuckler
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by JME78
Is it possible to have the full bar open when guests arrive and only have beer and wine for the last hour? I know that I sometimes want a cocktail before I eat and then have wine with food, and I know others are the same.
I think if you are having cocktail hour - guests should be able to get cocktails.
This plus:
Beer + liquor = never sicker
Liquor + beer = never fear
It’s science.
Well not really but I’ve proved it for the past 20 years.
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| Posted 9/5/18 3:45 PM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by PearlJamChick
Posted by JME78
Is it possible to have the full bar open when guests arrive and only have beer and wine for the last hour? I know that I sometimes want a cocktail before I eat and then have wine with food, and I know others are the same.
I think if you are having cocktail hour - guests should be able to get cocktails.
This plus:
Beer + liquor = never sicker
Liquor + beer = never fear
It’s science.
Well not really but I’ve proved it for the past 20 years.
i'm a super-duper light weight when it comes to any alcohol, so these are things i don't tend to know lol
i can make those changes.
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| Posted 9/5/18 3:52 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11489 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
I agree with adding more time to the decorating.
As for food, do they serve their Hors d’Oeuvre often? Do they come out often and are there a lot of them? I went to a cocktail wedding once and I remember leaving kind of hungry. I think our group went out for wings afterwards.
TBH, with you I think it needs a bit more variety. I would add sliders or even short rib sliders (change the carving part) or even some type of shrimp thing.
During the time you have your short rib station (turkey or pork sounds nice), vegetarians may a feel bit left out. I’d put out some kind of pasta.
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| Posted 9/5/18 3:59 PM |
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mrsrainbow
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 1465 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
Not enough food and way too much time. Weddings are 5 hours, not cocktail birthday parties. I worry your guests are going to leave early, hungry and drunk :/
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| Posted 9/5/18 4:06 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by klingklang77
I agree with adding more time to the decorating.
As for food, do they serve their Hors d’Oeuvre often? Do they come out often and are there a lot of them? I went to a cocktail wedding once and I remember leaving kind of hungry. I think our group went out for wings afterwards.
TBH, with you I think it needs a bit more variety. I would add sliders or even short rib sliders (change the carving part) or even some type of shrimp thing.
During the time you have your short rib station (turkey or pork sounds nice), vegetarians may a feel bit left out. I’d put out some kind of pasta.
I agree. Some more hearty choices perhaps. I am a big eater with a big appetite. Coming to a party at 5, I would expect to be fed more like dinner. Not saying i expect a sit down meal, but heavier fare.
I'm also a light weight with drinking so I need heavier food to absorb the booze or I get sick quickly
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| Posted 9/5/18 4:09 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
I agree with PPs. I would either have the open bar the whole time or switch to beer and wine at the end.
As for food, I think you need more. At minimum I would add another station.
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| Posted 9/5/18 6:45 PM |
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twizzlers
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/14 874 total posts
Name:
x
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by MarathonKnitter
ooh, good points.
timing: easy to change
substantial foods: i can add one more station, but was debating it... pistachio crusted salmon
decorating: the venue/restaurant is pretty just the way it is, i'm bringing very few decorations...
* centerpieces
* two signs
* basket with favors
* faces-on-a-stick for the surprise
Even though you say your bringing few decorations, I think as the host the venue staff will be wanting to discuss things with you, ask you questions, etc and you will be pulled in a few directions. I’d up that time a bit.
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| Posted 9/5/18 7:34 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
I agree with adding more time to decorate. It might seem simple, but at the end those little details add a lot of time, and you don't want to be doing things while the guests are arriving.
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| Posted 9/5/18 7:49 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by mrsrainbow
Not enough food and way too much time. Weddings are 5 hours, not cocktail birthday parties. I worry your guests are going to leave early, hungry and drunk :/
Exactly this. I wanted to say it, but didn't want to come off harsh, I know how long you have been panning this!
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| Posted 9/5/18 9:53 PM |
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mrsrainbow
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 1465 total posts
Name:
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by jlm2008
Posted by mrsrainbow
Not enough food and way too much time. Weddings are 5 hours, not cocktail birthday parties. I worry your guests are going to leave early, hungry and drunk :/
Exactly this. I wanted to say it, but didn't want to come off harsh, I know how long you have been panning this!
Yeah, and I'm so not trying to be mean, but I am trying to give an honest perspective. I feel like the way this is set up now, people might leave at dessert.
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| Posted 9/6/18 10:12 AM |
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Tulips915
................
Member since 8/08 6851 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by jlm2008
Posted by mrsrainbow
Not enough food and way too much time. Weddings are 5 hours, not cocktail birthday parties. I worry your guests are going to leave early, hungry and drunk :/
Exactly this. I wanted to say it, but didn't want to come off harsh, I know how long you have been panning this!
I agree, Sorry. 5 hour birthday party? Way to long for just apps
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| Posted 9/6/18 10:17 AM |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
I think 2 hours of just passed apps is not enough food and way too long for just passed apps. I worked in catering for a long time and we pretty much stopped serving the passed stuff within 40 minutes of an cocktail hour. Mainly bc people got board with the stuff. and I can tell you that the servers would just walk around with the one plate for a few minutes then just go back in the kitchen.
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| Posted 9/6/18 10:52 AM |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
I also think asking people to come at 5 and the surprise happening at 5:30 is kinda tight! So many people show up a little late that I think you run the risk of ruining the big surprise. I would have him come at 5:45 to be safe
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| Posted 9/6/18 10:53 AM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: menu/timeline... enough?
Posted by Tulips915
Posted by jlm2008
Posted by mrsrainbow
Not enough food and way too much time. Weddings are 5 hours, not cocktail birthday parties. I worry your guests are going to leave early, hungry and drunk :/
Exactly this. I wanted to say it, but didn't want to come off harsh, I know how long you have been panning this!
I agree, Sorry. 5 hour birthday party? Way to long for just apps
I agree.
I was at a surprise party recently. It started at 6:30pm. GoH arrived at 7pm. There was an open bar beginning at 6:30. Passed apps were 7-8pm. We had a sit down meal and plated desserts and we left around 10:30pm. Beginning to end was 4 hours. That was plenty long for a party. If it's apps only, I would expect it to be shorter.
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| Posted 9/6/18 1:47 PM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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menu/timeline... enough?
I’m either old fashioned, or just plain Italian lol, but if I know I’m going to a party for dinner time, I would expect a regular dinner. If you labeled it a tapas party, I’d know what to expect.
ETA: saw the possible of addition of salmon, that’s a choice that not everyone eats. I wouldn’t go that route... also, is there a kids menu?
Message edited 9/6/2018 2:21:33 PM.
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| Posted 9/6/18 2:17 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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menu/timeline... enough?
I think you need more time to set up - 30 minutes isn’t much...
Also if I was going to a 5 hour party at dinner time I’d be expecting dinner (even if I did overdo it on apps)
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| Posted 9/6/18 4:28 PM |
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