IF it were me, I'd simplify it even more.
Love the two kinds of soup. Taco and Potato Leek.
Veggie tray with Hummus and maybe one other creamy dip.
Cheese and crackers.
That's it.

Shrimp needs to be chilled. Keeping a tray of cold ones requires attention.
I think there's plenty of filling stuff without the meatballs, and it's one less thing to worry about.
I wouldn't worry about sweets too much. Most people have had their fill this time of year.
Maybe small bowls of nuts and M&M's.

It sounds like this is really a "hold you over" type thing.
If you fill them up at 2 or 3pm, are they really going to appreciate a big meal at 5 or 6??

JMO,
Deanna

Thank you, Deanna. That sounds great to me! I was just afraid not everyone would like either of the soups. My nephews will definitely complain if they don't, but they're used to my sister making them all kinds of great things to eat! Do you know of a taco soup recipe that you would recommend? one that teenage boys would love, as well as their health-conscious grandmother? lol!

Since soup is the feature, what's the best way to serve it? I have tons of bowls, but they're all different sizes and shapes from different sets of dishes (4 of each for most of them). Are disposable styrofoam bowls or cups better to use? I could also go to the $ store and buy a bunch of coffee mugs if that would work better. I'd guess a minimum of 10 people, but more likely to be 20 -- especially if I invite a few friends to fill the gaps.

Thanks again for your reply!

I agree with Deanna on the menu.

I would use a mixture of the bowls you have rather than styrofoam.

If you want to have something sweet sitting out, try the Peppermint Bark Popcorn (link below).

This is similar to most Taco Soup recipes:
Santa Fe Soup

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 small pkgs. Ranch style dressing mix
2 small pkgs. taco seasoning mix
1 16 oz. can black beans, undrained
1 16 oz. can kidney beans, undrained
1 16 oz. can pinto beans, undrained
1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes w/chiles, undrained
1 16 oz. can tomato wedges, undrained
2 16 oz. cans white corn, undrained
2 cups water (or less if you want it thicker)
Garnishes:
Sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese
sliced green onions

Cook meat and onion together until meat is browned. Stir ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix into meat. Add all beans, tomatoes, and corn with juices from all. Add water. Simmer for 2 hours. If mixture is too thick, add water. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, and onions, if desired.

Good with tortilla chips.

Notes:
1. I use 1 lb of ground turkey and 1 lb of ground beef.
2. I only use 2 cans of beans - any 2 of the 3 listed is fine, but I usually use red beans and black beans. Also I prefer small red beans instead of kidney beans.
3. If you like spicier dishes, use Rotel. I prefer Mexican stewed tomatoes.
4. I can no longer find canned tomato wedges. Canned diced tomatoes seem to work just fine.
5. Freezes well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Peppermint Bark Popcorn