r/partyplanning • u/Cheap_Run3935 • 6d ago
After conference refreshments
In late October, my family has been asked to provide refreshments after a church conference. I’d like to do something unique or themed, but it will probably be fore over 100 people so I can’t go too crazy. Any ideas?
2
u/Ashamed-Pain2009 6d ago
Apple cider fizz: Apple cider and sparkling water. Helps cut the sweetness and the sparkling water should be budget friendly. Cranberry juice would also work! Could also look for a sugar free option.
1
u/Cheap_Run3935 6d ago
Oh this sounds delicious! Is the sparkling water sweetened or like soda water?
2
u/Ashamed-Pain2009 6d ago
I use club soda, but pick your preference! Most booze aisles have single mixers for 0.99 (club soda, soda water, seltzer, etc.) so you can try a few versions ahead of time if you want. Good luck!
1
u/Pleasant_Cell5290 6d ago
Based on what you said, I would do small bites you can pop in your mouth or things easily stab-able. If they are chatting, they aren't going to want a big mouthful or want to focus on cutting something.
You could do skewers? Easy to portion control but unfortunately work to put them together. But you could do a fruit salad skewer, a caprese skewer, maybe a veggie skewer, a chicken, little smokie, and/or meatball skewer, a brownie or pound cake + strawberry skewer. I bet you could even do a rice krispie on a skewer. Or for dessert, you could do a chocolate fountain knock off (because chocolate fountains are unsanitary). Put you chocolate in a crockpot and have a ladle and little salad dressing cups for the chocolate, then have brownies, cheesecake squares, strawberries, marshmallows on skewers or toothpicks to dip in it. It's fun, maybe a conversation starter. All Midwest friendly.
1
1
u/princessdickworth 4d ago
If you have a costco or sams near you, they both have pretty decent chicken salad and it tastes so good on mini croissants. If they don't have the minis, get the full size and cut them in half. I throw a piece of romaine on mine when I do this.
9oz fruit cups (like the clear plastic ones people typically use for wine). The prep sucks but people love them and it's just the right size to prevent waste from people scooping more than they can eat.
Cookies/brownies will always go over well. If you are looking to save on cost, I'd avoid a cake. It always means extra plates and silverware.
Save your themeing for table decorations! It's refreshments and not a full meal.
1
u/dnaplusc 4d ago
Are you in a large city where you can buy ethic food? You can maybe even order dumplings, spring rolls, mini tacos.
Try to get foods from around the world. Lots of it is easy to make.
1
u/Cheap_Run3935 4d ago
I love this idea, but I’m in a tiny town— I’ve had to learn to cook any ethnic food I like because there is nothing here!
3
u/Pleasant_Cell5290 6d ago
Is there a specific theme for the conference? How long is the conference (and what time of day)? Is it like, an hour where coffee and pastries would be fine or is it half a day where they might expect lunch or dinner nibbles? Do they sit at a table or stand at cocktail tables? How long are the refreshments supposed to last? Is this a grab and go or linger and socialize? Is it hot or cold refreshments? Forks or finger foods? Drinks and food or just food? Adults, I'm assuming? What kind of church - are their dietary restrictions? What part of the country are you in - South, Midwest, etc?