A send off party

[EcclesCake]

I'm trying to work out how to time and cater for a send off do.

I'd like to have it on a Saturday or Sunday and do not want to go overboard on the food. I'd like to do an Italian antipasti board, an English Ploughman's platter and some sausages on the BBQ with fried onions. I'm happy to provide good food but not provide a full on meal.

I'm trying to work out what my timings should be and what the invite should say. I'd like something more enticing than 'beer and a nibble' but making it sufficiently clear that they will not be getting a three course supper.

Any suggestions?

[ummmm]

Mention a BBQ and no one will expect a 3 course meal.

[beckersjay]

Beer and informal 'eats' ?????

[EcclesCake]

For those who've ever been here for a BBQ a 3 course offering is standard :-(

I have the complication of inviting at least three different social groups and it's a proper buggers muddle! I might go for 'beer and a bite' it doesn't promise over the odds and manages guests expectations...I just need to work out the best timing now.....

I might go with 'a beer and a bite'

[EcclesCake]

What other low effort but high quality foods could I do? I really am struggling to see beyond the antipasti/cheese/pickle scenario....

We'll be going away shortly after and I don't want to be left with lots of left overs.

My real issue is working out what time to invite people. It's so difficult because invites will be going to independent teenagers, though families and onwards to retired couples. How the heck can I find a time that will satisfy that age range???

[vodkancoke]

"Drinks and Nibbles at 2pm"?

The beauty of antipasti is it can be plated and covered in the morning.
Sausages can be started in the oven and finished on the BBQ for serving.

[Smowball]

"Guests may be fed and watered from 2pm onwards" - lol

[crisgal]

i would keep it really simple.
Why not just do an enormous selection of cheese and biscuits?
A good cheeseboard is always welcoming, filling and somethign for everyone. Add your apples, tomatoes, celery, chutneys and a massive variety of crackers and crusty bread, and it's as good as a meal.
Have some blues, some creamy ones, and you could even bake a few camemberts for dipping.
A giant bowl of strawberries and cream for pud.
All preparable (is that a word) in advance and you can freeze any cheese that'sl left or offer 'doggy' bags. I'd come!

[crisgal]

you could call it a 'beer and ploughmans' night.

[crisgal]

ooh and some slices of pork pie!

[crisgal]

...and hummus for the veggies. right i'm going now x

[EcclesCake]

Crisgal, your ploughmans platter is exactly what I have in mind to do. I have some anti-cheese friends and some hard-core carnivore friends hence the anti-pasti platter and sausages.

I would love to serve up some pork pies but there is only one that I would serve and I won't have time to travel to get them :-(

Veggies can eat cheese, hummus is the work of the devil ;-)