What are your favorite party menu ideas? Fun and casual

[missmodular818]

I'm throwing a party for 8 close friends. Not quite sure if I want to do dinner or hors d'ourves. I like the idea of making mini meals - like bite sized everything. Not sure if I want to do a theme and I'm still questioning what drinks to serve. Here are my ideas so far:

mini carne asada tacos with onions and cilantro ( i found mini tortillas at my local mexican deli)

mini cheese enchiladas with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes

mini corn on the cobs (one normal cob cut into 4 or 5 rounds) dusted with cayenne pepper, cojita cheese and lime juice

small corn cakes for dessert served on banana leaves

mini flan made in mini muffin tins

i found mini beers - coronas (coronitas, i think?)

What do you think? What other menu ideas do you fine folk have? Bring it!

[Emme]

if you're just doing a mexican/latin theme, you could add little mini quiches or frittatas w/ chiles, jack cheese, and minced peppers.

One theme I did recently was "kid food" and I was loose with the theme and the foods, but basically:

Mini cups of mac'n'cheese
Hottie dogs (pigs in blankets)
Sliders
Fluffernutters cut in small squares
Bologna Mini sandies (ridiculously popular)
Chicken Nuggets
Meatballs
Cookies/Brownies and Ice Cream Sundae Bar

I've also done breakfast for dinner theme:
Mini waffles topped with preserves
Mini quiche and frittata
Scones
Fruit
Melon wrapped in prosciutto
Mini breakfast burritos
Blintzes
Bagels and Lox

I love doing themed meals and guests get a kick out of it too!

[missmodular818]

Emme! I love your ideas! Where did you find mini waffles? How cute! I'm not stuck on one theme. I'm always throwing parties and am tired of my past menus. Just trying to get some ideas for future parties.

Some menus from the past:

Playful Brunch:

A Pyramid of Various Donut Holes

Rice Krispies Squares (made with 1/2 rice krispie cereal and 1/2 fruit loops cereal)

Breakfast Finger Sandwiches (Grilled Cheese w/scrambled eggs and ham)

mini bagels sliced, toasted w/cream cheese and topped with a sliced tomato, cucumbers and red onions

Greek Style Yogurt Trifle (in clear plastic cups) w/diced mangos, diced kiwis and diced bananas

Mango Juices and Orange Juices

Champagne

Italian:

Stuffed Mushroom w/italian sausage, breadcrumbs, basil and mozzarella

Mini Pita Pizzas w/ portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, garlic, tomatoes and basil (no sauce) drizzle with olive oil

Brushetta on garlic toast

Open faced Mini Muffaletta Sandwiches

Fried Zucchini Sticks and Lemon Garlic Aioli

Fried Calamari with a spicy marinara

Birra Moretti or Peronis

Mini Tiramisus

[elayne5]

I always think a dessert and champagne or a selection of dessert wines is a nice party idea.

[Emme]

I make mini waffles, but if you're short on time, there are frozen brands... Sometimes I make normal size and cut using a cookie cutter or just a knife into your desired shape.

Around the country is something I'm trying to get together for the next fun fest, but definitely assigning dishes to be brought (can't do this all myself!); here are some of my thoughts...

BBQ Chicken Pizza or Cobb Salad or Artichokes or Caramelized Figs for Califonia (maybe some Napa wines too)
Boston Baked Beans
Maine Lobster
New England Crab Cakes
Hawaiian Pork or Poi or Macadamia Nut Pie
Knishes or Roasted Chestnuts for NYC
Cuban for Florida
Jambalaya or Gumbo or Po' Boys for Louisiana/South
Idaho Potato Bar
Wisconsin Cheese plate
Philly Cheesesteaks
Hot dog or Pizza for Chicago
Chicarrones or Burritos for New Mexico/Southwestern
Coffee
Baked Alaska
Shoofly Pie or Amish Friendship Bread
Rhode Island Coffee Milk
Kentucky Derby Pie
Vermont Cheddar Crisps or Maple Sweet Potatoes

[chocchipcookie]

Hi Emme,
What are bologna mini sandies? Sounds interesting for the kids since that is the only "meat/protein" they will eat at the moment. I am having a cupcake decorating party for my 5yo and 8 little friends and I feel I need to serve something other than sweets. Thx!

[Emme]

I made a few variations... mayo, bolgona, and mustard; some with american cheese, some with cheddar, some plain, some fried... then cut them into mini shaped sandwiches with a cookie cutter.

[chocchipcookie]

Makes me think that the cookie cutter will make lots of other sandwiches taste good too...hmmmm. I am also going to fry the bologna-never had that before. Thanks for the tips!

[Emme]

Shapes and funny names seem to go a long way with kids!

[Gail]

www.new-mexico-catalog.com
I haven't tried *these* cocktail tamales, but I think tamales would add to your menu.

Also 3 or 4 salsas and guacamole. sp?

Margaritas and/or sangria which you can make ahead and add ice and limes, etc. last minute.