Afternoon housewarming party -- food per person?

[eyesroll]

My SO and I have decided to have a housewarming party when we're finally moved in next month. It would be an afternoon open house, maybe 2-5 pm, on a Saturday, probably in May or early June. Kids would be welcome. We have no idea how many people would end up coming -- maybe 30 or 40 over the course of the afternoon, and some would stay for the duration and some would come for 30 minutes.

Anyhow...this is likely to be a self-catered affair, appetizers, desserts, beverages. Probably some afternoon-appropriate alcohol, but not full bar.

I don't necessarily need recipes or suggestions beyond what's in the million threads on the subject already (although if anyone wants to add one, feel free to share) -- but I have no idea how many pieces per person we'd need, for an afternoon open house. All of the guidelines I've found have been for evening cocktail parties, and have ranged from 12 total pieces per person to 3-4 pieces of each appetizer, and 1-2 pieces of each small dessert per person, and I'm just confused.

Thoughts? (And thanks.)

[Warpy]

1. A cocktail party is a cocktail party

and I think the guildelines you've found are appropriate, period. Just stash some extra for those guests who always seem to arrive at the last minute to confront a sea of empty plates left by the guests who arrived at the beginning and are still there. Some guests will undoubtedly eat the 12 pieces of whatever suggested by one guide and others will daintily nibble only 2 or 3.

After all, you're not feeding them supper, although those out of work can be forgiven if they take a bit more than their share so they can pare down their own plans.

You might want to add a big bowl of grapes and a board of cheeses to the whole effort. Not only will it make a great centerpiece, it will also help feed people with minimal effort on your part.

(Please tell me you're using good quality paper plates)

[eyesroll]

2. Heh...I haven't even thought of plates yet, but I won't use crap.

Regardless of the way they look -- I don't want to be picking spilled dip off my furniture for the next week, for want of sturdy plates.

Yeah, we're not feeding lunch or dinner, but we're also not hosting at a time when people would expect lunch or dinner, so I wondered if that would factor in. (For some reason, I eat more at an after-dinner cocktail party than at an afternoon party, and I wondered if that was common or just me.)

I like your centerpiece idea -- and I do intend to have just about everything made in advance, edible at room temperature (or from a crock pot), so all/most I'm doing is refilling rather than actively cooking during the party. Maybe some oven reheating. Maybe.

I'll probably also scatter the requisite dishes of M&Ms or nuts or what have you, through the apartment. I don't know if my main food-service area will be the kitchen or the dining room -- it's been awhile since I've been in there and I honestly don't remember exactly how the rooms are laid out (we get keys April 1).

[SoCalDem]

6. Just remember to keep it simple..

crackers, cheese, veggies, chips, fruit.. lots of spiffy little waste baskets set around..lots of small tables, so people don't try to balance stuff on their laps..

Look for a party supply place..You might be able to rent what you need and they will deliver and set it up for you :)

cookies for dessert...

I would forego the "saucy, drippy" stuff and keep it all easy ..

[merci_me]

7. I agree on the "saucy-dippy" stuff

especially if you're having children. They are notorious double dippers.

Depending on the average child-age, if you have a counter service area, you could put dippy types of foods up higher and maybe have a lower table, such as a cocktail table, set up specifically with child friendly finger foods and fruits and scatter a few party favors on that table.

[lavenderdiva]

3. Just yesterday, Paula Deen had a show on her own housewarming party

here's the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_pa/episode/0,1976,FOOD_10234_42826,00.html

She had several recipes that looked really delicious. She was filming in her new house, since being married recently. When you go to that link, they have the recipes for the foods she prepared, and also tell you when they will be re-airing that episode....

[eyesroll]

4. Cool, thanks!

It looks like a cheese theme (Paula? Cheese? Who knew? :D)...

[Tab]

5. People usually tend to overbuy

being afraid of "running out".

Although certainly the yummy stuff can be perishable, I'd suggest buying a bunch of stuff you can haul out if you need more food but make it the kind that you can keep around the house and use yourself if it's not needed. Stuff you might keep anyway.

[grasswire]

8. you could simplify....

....by serving either appetizers OR dessert with the appropriate complementary alcohol, or even a jolly punch of some kind. People really do love punch and rarely get it these days.

I know that isn't the problem you asked about, but I had thoughts of the trouble and extra expense that an unfocused menu could bring. Some sort of seasonal theme might work well -- a green springy motif with lots of asparagus rolled up in crepes. Maybe even individual quiches. This is your chance to shine!

[NMDemDist2]

9. asparagus rolled in lox and cream cheese

yum :9