Hi AJ:
Thank you for those great suggestions. I will definately look into them. I just had a party for twenty people two weeks ago. It went extremely well. It took a lot of preparation and planning. I cooked all the food (8 appetizers, main course and 6 desserts). My guests couldn't believe I made everything. Everytime I run into them they still talk about it. I would have to say it took at least three months to prepare for. My advise would be not to cater. Your guests appreciate the effort and time you put into your meal. Also, don't serve any part of your meal with paper. I had twenty appetizer plates, twenty wine glasses, twenty drinking glasses, twenty plates and twenty dessert plates and coffee cups. I could go on and on but I guess it was worth the effort. My next large gathering will be for after dinner drinks and dessert. That is where I will have my coffee "bar." Once again, thanks for the great ideas..........Christine