Congratulations! Job well done!!

I've had Stew's ginger cookies many times & I love them. I'm unsure if they're available in the summer though? Is everything on the catering menu available year around? Anyway, if so, I'd recommend those.

Again for summer, the tomato, mozz, & basil salad would be pretty & delicious.

Hard to go wrong with any of the salmon offerings, IMO. I'd go with the salmon platter.

Italian Potato Salad is also good - I've had it.

Rolls

For that time of evening & after the ceremony reception people won't be starved. I'd go for fewer items but one or two that make a statement - like the salmon.

You'll need a couple other things but I just finished dinner & am too full to look at the menu. :)

Again, so happy for you. Your family is very proud, I'm sure, as you should be also.

/tricia

Well....bubbley in a glass makes everything special!
And after that I would go the smoked salmon route, a cheese platter, salads like a broccoli raisin salad ( without the bacon..:Q)...I have a recipe for a broccoli cauliflower, red pepper salad...that is good and pretty too. Shout if you want it...
Big fruit platter and a beautiful challah...or briosch rolls.
Congratulations!! Smarty!! Can't believe you are soon to graduate...seems like yesterday that you were considering beginning!

Congratulations.

It's going to be late when your guests get to your home, since it's 5 - 7 PM, with a reception to follow and then a 40 minute drive. Plan on 9PM.

Why not just some desserts and munchies, decaf coffee and tea, soft drinks. You don't want people driving home after drinking liquor, even beer and wine can be a huge problem.

If you want to have a real party, why not plan one for the next day so you and your husband can relax and enjoy spending time with your family and friends.

Congratulations, AM, and a big pat on the back (plus a hug or two)!

I like the idea of the sushi platter and a mix of desserts is always good, maybe a mix of cookies and/or brownies..

I agree that you can't go wrong with salmon or the shrimp, but it might be too much fish with the sushi, depending on your choice of sushi. Fruit and/or cheese trays are nice for munching and hummus is a good protein choice for vegetarians or people like me who just like hummus, LOL.

It'll be lovely, I know. And congratulations again, good for you!

Annie

(Annie....no Shrimp....they keep Kosher....)

Perhaps a platter of mini quiche...made in mini muffin tins...maybe with smoked turkey, cheese and egg mix> Maybe also with spinach and green onios...

I'd do lovely platters of delicious little sandwiches and I like lindac's idea of mini quiches. That time of night I don't think I'd want anything heavy or to wrestle with a knife and fork standing up.

Thanks everyone, for your kind words and for your input into the menu.

Yes Lindac - bubbly is a MUST! I anticipate a great deal of toasting..;) And I'd love your salad recipe if it isn't a bother to send it along.

Mostly finger foods it will be, along with a salad or two and a simple dessert platter of cookies and loads of fresh fruit. Do you think it's ok if I don't have any hot foods? After all, it is August and hopefully the weather will cooperate we will be outside on the back deck. I'm thinking cold or room temp foods are fine. Do you think sushi rolls are ok? How many pieces total should I get?

Thanks,
AM

I have nothing to add but my hearty congratulations for a all of your accomplishment!
Yes, I think sushi rolls will be terrific and I suggest more is better. People do eat more on Sundays, although if it's after dinner for some folks, the savory will be less of a draw than the sweet. Set the platter of rolls on a pretty tray of crushed ice for maximum chill!

I am late to the party, so Annie's already said exactly what I was thinking. From the hugs to the fruit and hummus because someone might be vegetarian or not willing to eat only fish. We just had a party and the fruit, cheese, and veggie standards are still the ones hit the most. Most people only wanted one small slider sized sandwich and then the rest of their plates were covered in fresh fruits and veggies. It's summer!

I will second the fruit...I have done 62 or so church meals for lots of people in the last 6 years....absolutely paranoid about running out of food....and the only thing I ever ran out of was fresh fruit!!
Had 150 people, a zillion chicken salad sandwiches, a zillion ham sandwiches, a gigantic bowl of marinated veggie salad and2 huge bowls of cut up melons, peaches, berries.....and 100 guests ate the last of it.
People loooove cut up fresh fruit!!

Yes, I agree fresh fruit and veggies are a must - particularly since I'm now (very close to becoming) a dietitian.

(Thanks again for the hugs and kind words. It means a lot to me since many of you have been so supportive through this process)

Now let's hope I can find a great part-time job!

AM

Sounds like you have the celebration well in hand. I just wanted to add my congratulations to the others. Good for you!

AM, congrats congrats congrats and a 'yasher koach, hazak hazak'! And you did this while taking care of four children, LOL. Wishing you the best in your career.

Because it seems this will be an after dinner event, I too lean towards sweets/fruit. Keep it simple, and have a guest book if you want, and have someone take pictures!

Thanks again, everyone - all great ideas.

I just went blueberry picking yesterday and made some cakes and pies. I have dough and berries left over, so I may make some mini-tarts and freeze them if I'm feeling motivated.

Lots of Patron. Congratulations to you, Ms. Graduate! You make us proud. Enjoy your celebration.