help me plan my party

[mpc]

We are having a housewarming/holiday party in a week and a half. We usually throw one big party every year and I go all out with cooking and baking for it. I had a plan for this year, but I am nervous that this pregnancy is kicking my butt and I won't have the energy to do it. it sounds so lame to say that. We also have a lot of cleaning and straightening to get the whole house ready - I figure at a housewarming people are going to want to poke around and see the whole thing. So, anyway, I am considering doing either mostly store-bought or fully catered. Which gets your vote?

1. Chick-fil-a nugget trays, crockpot meatballs, buy some random premade apps and sides at Sams. 
2. Moe's
3. Tijuana Flats
4. Olive Garden

It's a little painful to me to not do it all myself. Also, to spend this much money. Eek. There's always next time I guess. I think #1 would be the cheapest of the options, although I don't know exactly. The others would probably work out to around $10 per person. So far RSVPs are around 40 adults and 15 kids. I'm not sure how many more haven't responded yet, I should do a better count. My H says to go ahead with one of the catered options, but he hasn't seen the price yet, lol. 

Any ideas for other things we could incorporate into the party? Weather should be nice enough to do indoor/outdoor. We might have a borrowed bounce house. Christmas music. Egg nog and adult beverages.

[knx9211]

I don't know what Tijuana Flats is. I don't think Taco tray when I think of a Christmas party so I'd nix Moe's. Do you have a Trader Joe's near you? I'd just get a ton of good apps. If people are walking around grazing, Olive Garden is going to be too cumbersome and messy.

[knx9211]

We're actually having our Xmas party next weekend too, and I'm aiming for a lot I can make Thursday and Friday night to spread out the prep in case I get tired.

[cherryvalance]

I would eat Mexican every night of the week, if I could, so that would get my vote. But do all the guests like it? I feel like having options is the safer choice.

[starryfish]

I vote #1. Most of the parties I go to are just lots of apps and sides and everyone likes it. We did a nugget tray and shrimp tray at my baby shower and they both went fast, especially the nuggets.

[thoseareradishes]

I vote #1 also. You are a superstar for taking on a party!

[mpc]

Thanks, I think you all convinced me to go for #1. We don't have Trader Joes here, which is why I thought Sams would be a good bet. I'll go this weekend and see what I can find.

So this week, monday and tuesday I had migraines and was so wiped out, I couldn't do anything. Wednesday I felt great, but my son got sick and threw up 7 times that evening, so I didn't get anything done except taking care of him and cleaning up vomit. I didn't get much sleep that night, so yesterday was another hard day. I kept him home all day, but I was feeling pretty awful too. We will see how today goes. Anyway, this is why I'm thinking I can't count on getting it all done myself this time.

[boiler717]

1 I think finger food is best for parties.
Here's what I usually do for ours:
Nugget tray
Meatballs
Shrimp cocktail
Charcuterie board (meats,cheese, crackers, tiny pickles, fancy mustard or hot pepper jelly)
Veggie tray
Pita chips and hummus
Artichoke dip
Baked goat cheese (giant log of goat cheese on top of some marinara in a baking dish, sprinkle with basil to make red and green)
If you feel up to it, stuffed mushrooms for a fancy homemade thing to trick people into thinking you made it all!
Skewers of ravioli, mozzarella balls, and grape tomatoes drizzled with pesto -- also skip if needed as it's time intensive
Mini desserts (brownie bites, little cookies -- Target has a great selection)
Christmas sangria and beer, waters for the kids
Hot cocoa bar (hot cocoa in a crock pot, disposalable cups with lids, and toppings -- marsh mellows, candy canes, sprinkles, whipped cream, peppermint stir sticks)

[FastHands]

Girl, stop. You do this every year; you can dial back the effort this year and still have an awesome party.
Do you guys have Maggianos by you? They were AMAZING for catering. Super affordable, and they bring EVERYTHING (the sterno, the trays, plates, silverware, napkins), AND they set it up.