Menu for a reception: What do you think? Can I make it better?

This is all a last minute plan because we have decided to go for an outdoor wedding at a local botanical garden. Afterwards we will have the reception at a friend's apartment complex (this is money saving, but it is a nice clubhouse with a deck and we will put some tables outside What do you think about this idea?)





Now as for the menu I have never been good at putting together the right flavors. So far I am planning to serve skewered sesame beef, skewered salmon, and maybe skewered chicken satay or shrimp cocktail as hors doerves. (These skewers have one large bite of meat not a whole skewer). Also mini croissants, fruit/cream platter, veggies/cheese/crackers platter. For the entree: bourbon pecan chicken or chicken marsala(no pasta) (are these too rich to serve?), green bean medley, and red roasted rosemary/garlic potatoes. This is for about 30-35 people is this too much food? What would be a better entree? Should I serve pasta instead of chicken as the entree like tortellini etc

Menu for a reception: What do you think? Can I make it better?
Your menu sounds great!


I would do the chicken marsala (lighter than the pecan chicken) and then do a pasta entree, as well. Pasta is cheap, and you always want to be sure to have a vegetarian option. Vegetable lasagna might be a nice addition, or penne primavera with lots of vegetables. Other than that, it sounds perfect. I love satay!
Reply:Your menu sounds great. Chicken Marsala (fav. food of mine) is perfect. I've been to a lot of wedding where chicken marsala has been served and there was no whining by guests.





In addition, your hor d'oeuvres are very classy. I worked in a country club and we use to serve chicken satay at fancy wedding and bar/bat mitzah (these parties were 100K+) too. They always flew off the serving trays.





One thing I would do is offer a pasta dish. I would go w/ penne ala vodka. It's classic and tasty.





Great Menu!!!
Reply:It actually sounds REALLY good! You might think about adding a green salad of some type. And if there are children being invited pb%26amp;j sandwiches cut into heart shapes!
Reply:It sounds just lovely! You might want to add several salads - maybe a choice of garden salad or Caesar.
Reply:Your menu sounds fabulous. I agree with everyone else who said add a vegetarian pasta dish in addition to a chicken dish. If you don't want to do a vegetarian pasta maybe try eggplant parmesan.
Reply:Hi,





Looks good!





Do the pecan chicken...marsala's a little too common. Also, add one green salad.





If you are doing skewered items, be sure to have somewhere for the skewers to go when people are finished.





Don't do the pasta unless you can do something very special. It's just too everyday.





Have a great reception!
Reply:Your menu sounds lovely.
Reply:While i like your concept, here's a few changes I would make:





For the appetizers:


You are having beef, chicken, salmon and/or shrimp. I'd cut it down to 2 - the beef and the shrimp. Since you are planning on chicken for the main course, you want a little variety. The choices appeal to a wider variety of tastes. I like the fruit, veggies and cheese platters, but instead of the mini croissants, get loaves of small Italian bread and have it sliced in thicker chunks. It will be a more one bite size, and can easily be eaten with any of your choices.





You are getting suggestions for a green salad and I agree. Why not take it a step further and make a nice Chicken-Pecan Caesar salad? This way you have a 'lighter' dish, and the vegetarians can easily remove the chicken too.





Main Course:


If you would want to serve Salmon as a choice, here's your chance. The rosemary potatoes and green beans are a nice accompaniment. The chicken marsala would appeal to the masses more, but how about a nice choice of pork medallions? They too would work well with the rest of it.





Skip the pasta. Many people are trying to be carb conscious these days and your potatoes will strike the right chord.





You have made some excellent choices - I'm just giving you more ideas :)





Good Luck!
Reply:I think you should add a vegetarian dish to the actual dinner because it seemed there is only meat there. It would make it seem like a better choice for people who dont want to eat meat as much.
Reply:everything sounds greatm you have the right stuff, no pasta you are perfect
Reply:WOW this sounds like a delicious meal. I would love to be a guest. Definitely add a salad as others have suggested. I like the idea of a tossed salad and a caeser salad for 2 choices. I would also follow the suggestion to limit the hors doerves to the salmon and beef and maybe the shrimp, skip the chicken skewers since chicken is your main entree. I wouldn't bother with a pasta if you are going to do a salad option, but I agree maybe add a rice pilaf. Your choices are excellent.
Reply:I think your guests are going to really enjoy this meal!





If everyone on your guest list eats chicken, then I'd stick with that as your main course. Either one sounds tasty. I'd probably pick the bourbon pecan chicken over the chicken marsala, but that's because I'm intrigued by the idea of nuts and chicken together, where I've had a lot of chicken marsala over the years. Your mileage may vary.





Whichever you decide on, this is going to be a tasty meal that most people can easily enjoy. Even my disgustingly picky eater of a husband wouldn't go home hungry, and that's a sure-fire sign you've chosen something most people can enjoy.





Now if we could just angle for an invitation. ; )
Reply:The reception site sounds fine, as long as there's enough space and you decorate it nicely.





The food sounds good but it would be nice to offer a big bowl of salad greens. As for being too rich, it depends on the timing. It might be heavy for a hot afternoon, but dinner would be good. I'd skip the pasta Better to have too much food than too little. You can also add a big batch of rice just as a filler.
Reply:It sounds GREAT, I am starving now!





Its better to have too much food than not enough. You can always pack it up and eat it the next day. As long as the apartment will seat people and you have a cover over the deck or a back up plan in case it rains then it sounds great.
Reply:I think it sounds good too... especially for a nice an outdoor deck setting. However, I would probably add some sort of pasta meal as well as a salad.

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