My party for forty in my 650 square foot apartment is just four days away.
Here's some sources that I count on when I'm cooking for a crowd:
My partner and I want our guests to eat off "real" plates and drink from glass glasses. Ever year, we re-stock our supply of Nuance Stemware Sets. They're just $9.99 a dozen. With the 20% off coupons that are floating around this time of year, that's $7.99 or just 66 cents a glass.
But don't buy the red wine glasses from this line ...
The red wine glasses in this line look dumpy and un-generous. I use the white wine glasses for red too. Don't forget to open the case and look for broken ones before you buy, just like eggs.
At Bed, Bath & Beyond, I also picked up some serving spoons for $7.99 each and 15 glass plates for $.99 each. They aren't stunning stuff, but I didn't want to over-spend on something that we'd only use a couple times of year. The cut glass look of these cheap plates will blend with my clear glass Fostoria American good dishes.
Is the stereotype true that guys hate asking for directions? I really don't like asking people in stores where things are, but I'm sure glad I asked the butcher at Citarella for slab bacon or I never would have known they carried it.
I'm making some changes to the menu based on your suggestions from my last party post. I'll finalize the menu and post that tomorrow.
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Chris, I have the same white wine glasses. Originally bought for a party (2 dozen) they work well for white and red wine and don't stress me out when they break.
I'm looking forward to seeing how your party plays out! I bought a 500 sq ft condo this year, and I had 30 guests over for a potluck. I made all three rooms open for wandering, but everyone wanted to cram into the front room. I made it an all-day affair, and the most I ever had in at one time was about 12 people. How will you handle the traffic flow?
Had you considered renting china and glassware? I used to rent both plates and wine glasses for my big parties when I had a smaller place and couldn't store a lot of partyware. I found it very convenient and reasonably priced, although I suppose in NY you'd need to have it delivered and picked up.
Anyway...a thought.
When it comes to serving salad buffet style, I cannot emphasize enough the need for a salad scissors. Two independent utensils as pictured above are impossible to manipulate one handed...a scissor style salad server makes it possible to serve ones self salad while holding a plate. And they're great for pasta, too.
after New Years, Ikea usually has champagne flutes for 50 cents...basic, but completely acceptable for a crowd of 40...stock up for the next occasion!