What can I serve at dad's surprise party?

Question

I'm throwing a surprise party tomorrow for my dad. At the moment all I have planned is basic stuff - chips and dip, sodas and diet sodas, a veggie platter, a fruit platter, some jello shapes (cut with a cookie cutter) and chocolate cupcakes (instead of a cake). I need more ideas about what to serve, things that won't break the bank (I'm a college student. I'm po'.)

I'm a vegetarian (not vegan, dairy and eggs and such are ok) so I don't want to serve meat, and he's diabetic so I don't want a lot of junk food like pizza. I don't mind serving SOME junk food (such as the chips) that the party guests can enjoy, but I'd like to not overwhelm the table with junk. It's my dad's party, he should be able to enjoy at least most of the food available.

I'm already making the sugar-free flour-free low-carb cupcakes and frosting from scratch so I'm not that interested in doing too much more cooking but if you have a good recipe for something simple that doesn't require a lot of time or effort, I might consider it.

It's not a dinner thing, I just want to serve plenty of snacks and such. Any ideas? It's my first surprise party.

Answer 1

8 oz package of cream cheese

1/2 to cup of brown sugar (dad may have to skip the dip)

1 tsp. vanilla

mix and use as a dip for sliced apples or veggies...delicious!

Tell dad Happy Birthday!

Answer 2

FYI...jello is not vegetarian..just thought I'd let you know.

I would also serve tortilla chips with salsa and cheese and crackers.

Answer 3

Tortilla Roll-Ups ... get the largest flour tortillas you can find, and put a thin layer of softened cream cheese over them (herb flavored is good); some alfalfa sprouts, fresh spinach and a thin layer of cheese.  Roll up tightly; wrap in saran or foil and refrigerate at least an hour.  Cut into 1" pieces and put on a platter ......

Guacamole and salsa with baked chips ....  

Tea sandwiches (VERY CHEAP to make):  Get a loaf of the cheapest white bread and cut the crusts off.  A very thin layer of mayo and thinly sliced tomatoes OR cucumbers.  Make whole sandwiches, then cut the sandwich into 3 slices. I've made them the day ahead; and cover with saran; a dampened paper towel; then stick the whole thing into a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have it pretty much covered. Without meat, dairy and other carbs., I wouldn't know what to add.

Answer 5

Hummus and whole wheat pita, maybe?

Answer 6

Here is a list of some recipes to give you an idea:

http://video-recipes.blogspot.com/