For an open house grad party, should I have food and snacks out at all times, have a main meal, or both?

Question

For an open house grad party, should I have food and snacks out at all times, have a main meal, or both?

Answer 1

I had an open house grad party years ago that went over really well. My parents kept the food in the dining room, and rented tables for outside. We had food out all the time on hotplates, but the majority was burgers and dogs on the grill, mostacolli. Plus we had chips and crackers and assorted dips. We also had cupcakes instead of cake.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

How about having a buffet and BBQ? Those that are too lazy to cook will eat ready cooked food and those who are hard working will have some fun grilling some fresh meat or veg on the spot.

This way, you will solve the headache of constantly serving food to all hungry grads all the time (as people do come in at different times) plus saving you some time to replenish those food that are fast finishing.

Answer 3

Doody,

If it is open house, people may be coming and going constantly and you may be unsure of the amount of guests that will be attending.  I suggest you have food and drinks out the entire time, the type of food will depend on your budget.

Personally, I know one of the best graduation parties I went to was at a clubhouse and they had someone constantly grilling burgers and hot dogs, and those would be in a large tin pan and buns would be 2 other tin pans and then condiments on the sides.  This is a quick and inexpensive way to satisfy your guests.  Definitely include a punch of some sort and various sodas, chips, dip, and salad.

Answer 4

keep it out at all times because when we friends have a party we are continuously eating and having fun at the same time!

Answer 5

Since an open house states a time frame that people come and go at their convenience, have food out at all times.  A served meal should be a party where the guests come and stay to a certain time...