Please critique my party menu!

[VictoriaL]

I've decided to serve the following finger-foods at our Christmas party on the 18th. Depending on how the decrorating goes, I may be able to make all, or most, of these. Over half are CL recipes. Too much cheese? I had difficulty deciding on veggies, but with the crudites for the hummus and the marinated skewers and the salad, there should be enough of that option. There should be about 20-25 attending (36 were invited, and all rsvp's aren't due until this Friday) and I wanted a variety of menu items. Of course, I'm kind of hoping that only a dozen or so can make it and I can have a sit-down dinner instead-- I seem so much more comfortable with that type of entertaining rather than a buffet!

Butternut, Goat Cheese & Walnut Spread with crackers
Asiago Dip with breadsticks
Hummus with crudites

Poached Shrimp w/Bay Leaves & Lemon
Peppercorn-Portabello Pork Tenderloin
Rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast
Turkey Mini-Meatballs in Port Wine Sauce

Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits

Marinated Mozzarella Braid
Marinated Fontina and Roasted Red Peppers
Baked Brie en Croute with dried cranberries and brandy

Marinated Veggie Skewers
Endive,Lettuce, & Cashew Salad

Ginger Hazelnut Pumpkin Tart
Orange Cardamom Cake
Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies
Figgy Pudding with bourbon hard sauce

Thanks for any suggestions you may have!

[kwormann]

Originally posted by VictoriaL
I've decided to serve the following finger-foods at our Christmas party on the 18th. Depending on how the decrorating goes, I may be able to make all, or most, of these. Over half are CL recipes. Too much cheese?

Ok, first of all, you can NEVER have too much cheese :D:D:D

It sounds great Ive been wanting to try the butternut and goat cheese spread! Have fun!

[Jasmine-Rose]

Vicci, that looks like a wonderful buffet! I don't think there's too much cheese either.

I'm sure the table will be beautiful and a great time will be had by all :D .

[Aubergine]

wow,, Victoria, i'm impressed. it sounds like a wonderful menu. i can't imagine anyone finding fault with it. hope all goes well.

[VictoriaL]

:D

You guys are great... I have this awful lump in my throat constantly and have taken to waking up several times throughout the night, all because this whole party thing is making me extremely nervous. And to be told that the menu looks good and for someone to have confidence in me, well, it really means a lot!!! DH says that everything will be great but, well, he's my husband... ;)
Thanks!!!

Gotta fly, the Santa collection awaits my unpacking! (I'm so glad that I logged on-- I feel so much better now!)

[brykate]

Wow - If you're more comfortable with a sit-down dinner for 12 than buffet style.... you ARE my hero! :D :cool: What's your secret for success and confidence? You obviously have a gift of hostessing so I hope you can relax and have fun in the prep and not be so anxious. It will be great!

Also - I haven't heard (and found nothing in searches so far) much about the Ginger Hazelnut Pumpkin Tart. A gal made it the other night for our supper club Christmas party and it turned out "not quite right" I don't want to scare you away from it, but she/we couldn't figure out what went wrong! It didn't cook all the way and was mushy. Haven't found out from her yet - but we're leaning toward her oven temp not being right. I'll post again if we get it figured out :)

[VictoriaL]

Thanks for the info, brykate. I was going to post a question about the tart asking if I could use a springform cheesecake pan instead of a tart pan with a removable bottom, but now I'm rethinking that dessert. I did want to make something containing a small amount of crystallized ginger, so I may go back to the search function to look more. Perhaps for something with a billion stars by it and accolades from all who have tried it... ;)

For whatever reason, I'm just more comfortable with dinner parties than buffets. Maybe because there is less food to cook? It just seems easier for me to get together. Go figure! But I am filled with anxiety over those types of functions, too. I plan to be all ready a half-hour before, though, so I can have a nice, calming drink!

But until then

panic, panic, panic :o

[Sami]

Victoria,

Your party WILL be a success. Your menu is perfect and since most can be made ahead, you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself. I find that if you have a good mix of people, the party will be good no matter what you serve.

Enjoy. Sami