Planning a Party? Help Needed with Food Ideas!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around planning a large party, specifically focusing on food ideas and strategies for managing a significant number of attendees. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on how to handle the logistics of a show with a potentially large guest list.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about hosting a show for 80 people and seeks food ideas and demo suggestions.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of confirming attendee numbers, noting that not all invited guests may show up.
  • Several users share their experiences with similar situations, indicating that large invitations often result in fewer actual attendees.
  • One participant suggests serving Ham and Cheese Brunch Squares and cut fruit, highlighting the ease of preparation for large groups.
  • Another participant emphasizes keeping demos short for large crowds and discusses seating arrangements to encourage interaction.
  • One participant recounts a past experience where a host invited 100 people but only 6 attended, stressing the need for personal follow-up invitations.
  • Another participant mentions the Clubhouse Chicken Squares as a popular recipe that works well for large gatherings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the expected turnout for large invitations, with some participants sharing experiences of low attendance despite high invite numbers. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to ensure a successful show.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to hosting shows and managing large guest lists, focusing on food ideas and logistical considerations without implying any official guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing large parties and food preparation ideas may find the shared experiences helpful.

pchefjaime
Gold Member
Messages
214
Ok ladies I need your help with this one. I am still kinda new just finished my 90th day. I have a show for the last sunday in november at 1100. No big deal you say. She is inviting over 80 people. AAAHHHHH! I need ideas for food to be served. I/she will make some ahead of time but I don't even know what I could demo if anything at all. Help please.:confused:
 
You'll definitely want to get a count of confirmed attendees before the show. Just because she's inviting 80 doesn't mean there will be anywhere near that many there. :) Since it's late morning on a Sunday, I imagine that a lot of people will be at church, unless it's in a circle that doesn't have Sunday morning services (Jewish, Muslim, etc.).I'd recommend the Ham and Cheese Brunch Squares - if you can't do the ham in them because of dietary restrictions (see above comment about Jewish, Muslim, etc.), then add more veggies to it. Serve it with cut fruit layered in the Trifle Bowl. The squares are easy and can be cut into pretty small pieces before they start to fall apart, making them good for a large group. And fruit is always a hit, plus it'll show off the Trifle Bowl, which is on special for hosts in December.
 
Hey Jaime!!!

I find that around here, people still like to see a demo, but with a large crowd, keep it SHORT.

And keep in mind that even though 80 people are invited, not all will come. One of my last shows had 65 invites sent but only about 18 people came.

One other consideration is seating. I've found that at shows where everyone is sitting in rows (stadium seating style) they tend to not talk as much as shows where we're all just strewn about the living room, if that makes sense. :)

I'm sure Michele or Kris could give you some tips, too, or email me for my number. :)
 
chefann said:
You'll definitely want to get a count of confirmed attendees before the show. Just because she's inviting 80 doesn't mean there will be anywhere near that many there. :) ....
Yes, I agree. It's AWESOME that she's inviting that many, but it's pretty unlikely that she'll have to worry about that many coming. I had someone recently invite 70 and she only had 8 show up. However, she did have a TON Of outside orders, which got her to over $1000. Definitely make sure she does reminder calls (holy cow, that's a lot to remind!:o ) and follow up with those who can't come because the outside order potential could be HUGE!! Especially with the holidays coming. Have fun and, I agree, try to make it on the shorter side if you have a huge crowd. Good luck!!!:)
 
Looks like I "win"...I had a host invite 100 (!!), only 6 showed up (3 "pairs" of friends/spouses...two left without placing an order :mad: . Even though we talked multiple times about inviting people personally AND calling to remind them, I found out he just handed the invites to anyone he passed at church...no follow up calls.

Tell her how great it is she has that many friends :) but REALLY encourage her to make everyone feel personally invited by calling every one.

As for recipes....I like the Clubhouse Chicken Squares. They are always a hit at my shows and can be cut small. A recipe in the trifle bowl is good too since that can feed alot.

Good Luck!
 
GeorgiaPeach said:
Looks like I "win"...I had a host invite 100 (!!), only 6 showed up (3 "pairs" of friends/spouses...two left without placing an order :mad: .
Oh man, what a bummer!!!:cry:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food should I serve at my Pampered Chef party?

Consider serving a variety of appetizers, finger foods, and easy-to-eat dishes that showcase Pampered Chef products. Popular options include dips, cheese platters, veggie trays, and bite-sized desserts. You can also prepare a main dish that can be easily shared, like a casserole or a pasta salad.

How can I incorporate Pampered Chef products into my food ideas?

Utilize Pampered Chef tools and recipes to enhance your menu. For example, you can use the Food Chopper for quick vegetable prep, the Deep Covered Baker for cooking meats, or the Mix 'N Chop for preparing ground meats. Choose recipes from the Pampered Chef website that highlight these products to demonstrate their effectiveness during the party.

How much food should I prepare for my party?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 6-8 appetizers per person if you’re hosting a shorter party, or 10-12 if it’s a longer event. If you’re serving a main dish, consider the number of guests and prepare enough to ensure everyone has a generous portion, typically around 1/2 to 1 cup per person.

Can I ask guests to bring food to the party?

Yes, you can certainly ask guests to bring a dish to share! This can help diversify the menu and make it easier for you. Just be sure to coordinate with them in advance to avoid duplicate dishes and ensure a good variety of food options.

What are some easy dessert ideas for my Pampered Chef party?

Easy dessert options include mini cupcakes, cookies, or a fruit platter. You can also prepare no-bake desserts like chocolate mousse or cheesecake bites. Using Pampered Chef baking tools, such as the Stoneware or the Mini Muffin Pan, can make the preparation process simpler and more fun!

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