Recipe: Open House for 150 for Sandy in Michigan

Wow, Sandy, an open House for 150.

I would say preparing your foods as far in advance as you can would be a key. Also, welcome the help of family, friends, coworkers, etc.

Your taco bar sounds like a very good idea to me. You might even consider a taco and wraps bar. Guests could make their own tacos or wrapped sandwiches. You would have plenty of pre-cooked ground beef, chicken/turkey, ham, many many sliced or chopped veggies, and a variety of cheeses. This way people who do not eat beef, and vegetarians, could pick from a variety of options. This would also give the option for making green salads only for people with special dietary needs.

You might also want to serve some finger foods/appetizers. If you do a search here on RecipeLink for "make ahead appetizers" you will find many tried-and-true recipes that have previously been posted.

Another idea might be to serve a huge variety of cookies instead of cake. Ask your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors (etc) to back a few dozen of their personal favorite cookies. Arrange the mixed varieties on lovely plates or platters so the guests can pick what they want. Assign someone helpful who will be willing to watch this table, remove plates as they are becoming empty, and replentish with additional cookies. We did this for a no-budget wedding once and it was popular beyond our dreams.

It is also a good idea to assign willing family/friends walk through the house and look for empty cups and plates. They can pick these up and put them in the trash, keeping the house tidy during the open house.

One very nice way for decorating for such an event is by using living flowering plants in pots. Wrap the pots with colorful foiled paper and tie with big bows. These can be placed throughout the house to add cheer and color. And, they can be added to the outside garden -- or sent home as gifts for friends who helped -- after the open house is over.

Sandy, I hope you have a lovely time at your son's open house. I hope you can keep it simple enough that you and your son will be relaxed and smiling as you greet the guests. Remember, the most important part of the open house is the PEOPLE -- not the food.

Cheers.

Kel