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Cook Talk

150 people wedding reception
Kathy
11/18/14
Would like to serve
Ham, new potatoes in butter, Green beans, Toss salad, rolls and butter.
How much of each
ellen
11/18/14
And what will your guests who don't eat pork, or don't eat meat, have for dinner?

Kathy, when planning a DIY wedding dinner, it is critical to select a menu that will accommodate this variety of eaters, because in a crowd this size you will have some.

You need about 3 people in the kitchen and 8-10 people out front to set up, serve, and clean up this size party. They will not be attending the wedding, they will be working.

Also, you need an appetizer plan and here is why:

A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception.

This does not have to be complicated. Three items, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient. Typically, include a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread; or you can go with a dinner theme such as TexMex with chips, salsas, Texas caviar and guacamole; Italian with bruschetta or antipasto; maybe shrimps or other cold seafood, if budget permits.

One appetizer service area works for about 100 guests.

You are welcome to write back. If you just want amounts for those five items, use 1 1/2 times the amounts on the plan for 100 page.

If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site.

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