Thanks so much for the feedback. I think I will do away with the 'dog wagon' idea based on there being too many choices.

By 1/2 trays I mean the aluminum foil trays that go over a sterno. 2 of these trays would sit in the whole tray that holds the heated water and sits over the sterno. I am doing 1/2 trays only because they are easier to handle.

The 4 hour party's guests for the most part will be adults, with less than 5 children under 10 and no teenagers. About half with be in their late 20's, with the rest scattered through 30, 40's and up.

The chicken and broccoli dish I was thinking of would be some kind of a primavera with no pasta.

Do you this I should still cut back on some choices? What would you serve if it were you?

I really appreciate your help!

marg

First of all I would not use aluminum foil trays over a rack and sterno butners.
And I still don't know the quantity that a half tray holds.
I have done more than a few engagement parties for 60.
One thing I made was a sort of BBQ turkey dish....served hot in a large chafer with the rest kept hot in the kitchen and replinished. Sides were a pasta salad...with I think peas?? Rolls and a broccoli salad.
Another time I made cornflake chicken....you know chicken rolled in evaporated milk and cornflakes and baked.....sides were potato salad and coleslaw...it was summer!
Another time I did a casserole of hamburger and rice ( that was bad....I didn't make it!)

How about a ham....either spiral cut or a boneless you cook and slice....a side of creamed dilled potatoes, pineapple and cheese casserole, marinated veggie salad and rolls.
For appetizers you could do wings and a cheese platter and crudites and dip.

I have also done a similar party with a huge whole poached salmon and platters of sliced ham and turkey a rice pilaf of brown rice cooked with onions, celery, and pecans and dried cranberrys,a marinated veggie salad, rolls and dessert.
Remember the KISS principal...Keep It Simple Stupid! LOL!
A meat dish or perhaps 2...a starch a veggie, salad and rolls is lots.
Another thing I have doen is meatloaf....made special by a spinach mushroom and blue cheese filling...simple oven browned potatoes a veggie, tossed salad and roll.....appetizers and dessert.
Shout if you need recipes.
Linda C

Hi marg,

I'm not an expert in large parties; however, you mention seven entries, not including the hot dog stand. Wouldn't larger amounts of fewer main dishes be easier? Are there many vegetarians? Will the rice pilaf & penne ala vodka do as main dishes for them? Linda's suggestion of a ham is easier than making a main dish, too.

What about having two salads instead of one? Will there be desserts?

Here is one site with quantities. Search Google or Yahoo for "FOOD QUANTITY" for other sites.

Good luck!
Kathleen

Here is a link that might be useful: Food quantities for 25, 50 AND 100 servings

KATHLEEN Gave the link for A GREat site thAT I OFTEN USE FOR Large pARTIES. IF YOU EXPLORE THat site further, you will find suggested menus, how to set up buffet tABLES, ETC. IT IS a reALLY NICE SITE. ENJOY THE Party!

Yes that is a great site!

As for my menu, I do like the idea of spiral ham, however the place only supplies 1 waitress and someone would need to be there to cut the ham for the guests as they need it. I am looking for a fairly self serve type buffet.

marg

You could buy a boneless German style ham and have it sliced ahead, cover tightly with foil, pour a little pineapple juice or applejuice over it and rewarm.
I have done that for a large luncheon. I piled the sliced meat into a 10 by 14 glass dish, covered and heated very slowly at 250. Then filled serving platters from that.
Linda C