Party for 30-40 people!

[Csara]

I don't know what I've gotten myself into. I'm having a 30th birthday party for DH in a few weeks and haven't even planned a thing. We will have about 35-40 people at our house (first time having more than 12) and I am intimidated!!! I was thinking of doing either an Asian or Mexican theme. I think Mexican would probably be more fun though. Any ideas on what to serve other than margaritas (ofcourse), chips and salsa/guacamole?? Or any other fun ideas for a party of this size?? Thanks in advance!!

[kristen nov02]

You could make nachos, quesadillas, banditos, flautas, or fajitas, with mexican food there are tons of things you could make that are easy for a big group. I don't have any recipes but they should not be that hard to find or make. Just thought I would throw out some ideas. Good luck and let us know how it goes. :)

[meliz]

ooooooo FUN! The great thing about Mexican is there are all kinds of nibblies you can do.

The "Walking Tacos" dip is always a winner, and you can do one veggie and one meaty to make the herbivores and the carnivores happy (just layer whatever you like) like this:
http://www.massrecipes.com/recipes/04/10/walkingtacos227323.html

I love jalepeno poppers too... tho I doubt their "authenticity". :)

We actually did a mexican themed dinner party the other night (chimichangas, beans, red rice and chicken in mole sauce) it was all great (I can say that cause hub made it all) but all that is probably too "sit downie" type fare for 40 (!) people ... but for dessert I made what I call "cinnamon brownies"... they were delish.

Here's the recipe I had planned to make (I thought these looked fabulous):
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/101249/

And here's what I actually 'made': I bought some bakery brownies and sprinkled them w/ cinnamon. :D What can I say... I ran out of time. But they were very good nevertheless!

Here are some more app ideas:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,mexican_appetizers,FF.html

Ole!

[Csara]

Thank you so much for the ideas!! :)

[Mommytotwo]

If you do decide to do an asian theme-you could have different asian themes mixed in together for your food choices.

Decorations-Hang paper lanterns up and string Christmas lights. Have a Happy Birthday sign made up by someone who knows Calligraphy.

Party Favor-Fortune cookie and have the note say thank you for celebrating this special occassion with me and your husband's name.

Food-When having a big event and you have not done something of this sort before, it's nice to-*cater some of the food, *prepare foods ahead of time, *by some items that are already read to be put out at the party-ex. veggie platter.

Items that you can make ahead of time-
*Spring Rolls-these can be made 2 weeks ahead of time and kept frozen.
*Teriyaki Meat Sticks-marinated, screwer them onto the sticks, and bbq them.
*Lemongrass oyster sauce chicken-this also can be made 2 weeks ahead and then kept frozen. Or teriyaki chicken.


Items to make that day-
*Fried Noodles
*Fried Rice
*Beef Brocolli
*Orange Chicken
*Chinese Chicken Salad
*Summer Rolls

[Margarita]

Ooh, wow, everything sounds so yummy. Can I come? ;)

My mom makes bunuelos that are really good. Usually, they're fried tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, but she bakes them.

[Deana]

How about a taco bar? Tons of different meats, veggies, cheeses and tortillas, then everyone can build what they want. Of course, chips, salsa, refried beans, guac, etc.
A margarita machine (in honor of course of our very own margarita???!!)

great, now I want some gauc.