Yet another wedding reception
Rachel
07/26/07
We are self-catering our garden wedding reception on September 30th - yes, we have a rain plan as well! The wedding is at 2pm and we will have about 110 guests. The reception will last from about 2:30-5pm. The menu is fairly simple (e.g. reception tea) and I would love for you advice on quantities. I've taken a stab at those based upon your pages on this site:
10 lbs. Assorted dinner breads
21 lbs. Antipasto meats (salami/prosciutto)
14 lbs. Assorted cheeses
? Olive tempenade (sp?)
? Bruschetta
? Pears
? Apples
24-30 lbs. Grapes

Thanks so much for any help at all!

ellen
07/27/07
Ah, yes, the backbone of my cook talk page! This is a VERY sensible timing for keeping costs reasonable for your reception. As a reward for your hard work on pre-planning, here are some notes:

10 lbs. Assorted dinner breads
-I would probably go with 13, bread is cheap. Also 4-6 pounds crackers. Add 10 pounds soft flavored butters and/or soft cheese spreads such as cream cheese logs, or some combo. These can be made ahead and frozen. Consider a big crystal dish of apricot or strawberry preserves.
21 lbs. Antipasto meats (salami/prosciutto)
-I would probably suggest 30- add ham, possibly sliced turkey, use smaller trays, refill more often- what is not used is kept in the refrigerator, and can be frozen.
Add assorted pickles, mustard and mayo- see sandwich event condiment table.
14 lbs. Assorted cheeses
-good, as long as you have the butter/spreads mentioned with the bread. Will use less if some are slice it yourself and some are cubed or sliced already.

? Olive tempenade (sp?)
-2 tablespoons per person.
? Bruschetta
-2 pieces per person
-consider adding 30 pounds assorted marinated vegetables and relishes (see my relish tray for 50-60- 1 recipe would be fine)

? Pears
? Apples
24-30 lbs. Grapes
-for this group I would probably suggest the grapes plus-
24-30 pounds small seasonal juicy fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) or seedless melon balls or chunks, or combo- you have to cut apples and pears, and they brown. If I wanted to serve either, I would poach and chill them and serve with a bowl and spoon.
PLUS 16-20 quarts strawberries, large- people just love them

nuts and mints for tables 6 pounds each per 100

I would probably suggest 2-3 small desserts or sweets (scones, tea size cookies, brownies, mini-tarts or mini eclairs, cheesecake bites, etc) per person in addition to your cake. Extravagant desserts make people feel so festive!

Don't forget your beverages:
1 1/2 pounds coffee (makes 75 cups), part decaf
3 boxes cube sugar
4 quarts half and half
possible, assortment of tea bags , hot water, lemon
8 gallons non-alcoholic tea, juice or punch
PLUS your wine or champagne, or if not, double up the punch

4 pounds ice per bottle of wine or to be chilled
32-40 pounds ice for beverages. If serving wine or champagne, allow 1/2 bottle per person, buy from a supplier who will let you return unopened bottles, and allow 4 hours per bottle to chill.

Enjoy your day!

Rachel Gianniny
07/27/07
Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful!
Aleta
04/05/09
What great info that you gave so generously to this person and what a help that must be! It is so wonderful to see someone so willing to help and extend themselves as you have obviously done in helping this person with your expertise.

Good night! What great helpful info!