Serving sandwiches is an excellent choice for your lunch party.
Lunch parties are a versatile option for workplace events as well as other types of gatherings, such as bridal showers, baby showers, outdoor parties and other festivities. In addition, they can be less expensive to throw than other types of parties, since luncheon fare tends to be lighter and simpler than more formal party foods. Lunch parties are also easier to plan than other types of parties, since many lunch foods can be prepared ahead of time. To simplify your luncheon party, try serving foods buffet-style, instead of in courses. Does this Spark an idea?
Beverages
Your lunch party should feature both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beverages include ciders, punches, juices, teas both hot and iced, coffee, sodas and bottled water. Alcoholic beverages appropriate for lunch parties include light wines, such as white wine and rose; champagne; and mixed drinks, such as mint juleps, daiquiris and mimosas. Coffee, punch, iced tea and mixed drinks can be prepared ahead of time and transported, while a carafe of hot water will make it easy for guests to brew tea for themselves.
Appetizers
Appetizers, tapas and other finger foods are traditionally served at lunch parties. For maximum convenience, these can also be prepared ahead of time. Fruit and vegetable trays make for a healthy, crunchy appetizer option. For added excitement, try serving these with sauces and dips. Other appetizer options include finger sandwiches, stuffed dates, cheese and cracker trays, dishes of olives, breads and tapas.
Salads
Both dressed and undressed salads are a must for any luncheon buffet. Undressed green salads may be composed ahead of time. Make sure to have an array of dressings available, in order to cater to your guests' tastes and dietary needs. Dressed salads, such as potato salad, can help provide a filling starch option. Try serving beet salads, rice, quinoa salads or pasta salads.
Soups
Hot and cold soups can be made the day before your lunch party and served on site. If you are serving a hot soup, be sure to bring a chafing dish to warm it in. Cold soups include cream of cucumber soup, cream of celery soup, borscht and gazpacho. Hot soups include chicken noodle soup, Italian wedding soup, ravioli soup, beef stew and minestrone. If you serve hot soups at your lunch party, they can even work as an entree if served with lots of bread and green salad.
Sandwich Makings
A popular choice for lunch parties is to present a buffet of sandwich makings, such as breads, cheeses, meats, spreads, sliced vegetables and dressings. Be sure to include sufficient vegetarian options, as some of your guests may not eat meat. This spread requires the inclusion of lots of knives, spreading tools and cutting boards. Your guests will appreciate being able to construct sandwiches to fit their personal tastes.
Desserts
Lunch party desserts should be made at least a day ahead of time. They should be simple and light in conception, as most eaters will not want to load up on calories so early in the day. Appropriate lunch party desserts include cupcakes, candies, pies and light cakes, such as angel food cake.
Table Settings
Finally, your guests will need a way to consume your sumptuous lunch party spread. Be sure to bring plenty of plates, bowls, cups, bottle openers, wine corkscrews, glasses, cutlery, napkins and tablecloths. Cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, may also be necessary.
Tags: ahead time, lunch party, other types, prepared ahead, prepared ahead time, your guests, your lunch