Silkmom, What a nice idea, to cater a reception for the recital! Also a good idea to use it as practice for the wedding reception, you'll have a better idea of what works and what doesn't. I think your ideas so far are fine, as long as the veggie pizza hasn't been overdone in your area. I seem to see it at every party around here. Maybe consider doing an antipasto platter in place of or along with your veggie tray - just one step up in elegance. Remember to leaf thru some magazines to get ideas on the latest presentations and garnishes - you can add a lot of oomph with how you arrange things.

Here's my favorite recipe for dessert buffets - it's a tiny brownie cupcake, not too sweet, quick to make, two perfect little bites of yum. It lends itself to interesting toppings. The original recipe suggested a dab of chocolate icing and a sprinkling of chopped hazelnuts. I've done everything from a cheesecake layer baked on to a simple vanilla buttercream topped with sugar sprinkles in spring colors (makes a really pretty plate!).

Good luck with the reception - share your most successful ideas with us when it's all done!

Tiny Fudge Brownie Cups
2 dozen

4 Tbsp butter or margarine
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
5 Tbsp flour

Melt together the butter or margarine and the chocolate chips. Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Gently stir in the flour.

Spoon into two mini-muffin tins (either use mini-cupcake papers or spray the tins with oil spray). Each tin should be slightly less than half-full.

Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until centers spring back when touched. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely.