Party times and food

TerriHugg

What is the latest possible party time it is appropriate to serve only hor dourves and finger foods? At what point does it come necessary to serve a actually meal as opposed to finger foods like mozzarella sticks, pot stickers, etc...

Viczaesar

TerriHugg said:

What is the latest possible party time it is appropriate to serve only hor dourves and finger foods? At what point does it come necessary to serve a actually meal as opposed to finger foods like mozzarella sticks, pot stickers, etc...

Meal times are roughly 11 am - 2 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm.  So a ceremony that starts at 2 with the reception ending by 5 doesn't need a meal.

theartistformerlyknownas

I expect lunch for parties starting anytime from 11-1, and dinner for parties starting from 4 and 7. I'm in the Midwest though, we seem to eat earlier than a lot of places. For 2-3 or 8 and later, finger foods are fine by me.

TerriHugg

Thanks. I should have specified and indicated in the thread title that it's not for a wedding. It's just an anniversary party at a church hall. Does that change anything?

Viczaesar

TerriHugg said:

Thanks. I should have specified and indicated in the thread title that it's not for a wedding. It's just an anniversary party at a church hall. Does that change anything?

Nope.  It's the general rule for hosting, regardless of what event is being hosted.

TerriHugg

Viczaesar said:

TerriHugg said:

Thanks. I should have specified and indicated in the thread title that it's not for a wedding. It's just an anniversary party at a church hall. Does that change anything?

Nope.  It's the general rule for hosting, regardless of what event is being hosted.

Got it. Thanks. So if I had a party from 8 to 11, finger foods should be ok since it's not a meal time?

theartistformerlyknownas

TerriHugg said:

Viczaesar said:

TerriHugg said:

Thanks. I should have specified and indicated in the thread title that it's not for a wedding. It's just an anniversary party at a church hall. Does that change anything?

Nope.  It's the general rule for hosting, regardless of what event is being hosted.

Got it. Thanks. So if I had a party from 8 to 11, finger foods should be ok since it's not a meal time?

As long as that's PM (you never know with kids' birthday parties nowadays, and IDK what kind of party this is), you're fine!

TerriHugg

Thanks so much! It's a surprise anniversary party for my parents.

Last question is it necessary for me to put "light refreshments" or something of that sort on the invitation?

zizibet

I would, just so people know it's not a late dinner- but there are people in my circle who eat pretty late normally, KWIM? I think it's a know-your-crowd thing.

slothiegal

TerriHugg said:

Thanks so much! It's a surprise anniversary party for my parents.

Last question is it necessary for me to put "light refreshments" or something of that sort on the invitation?

I'm not sure what etiquette rules dictate (please feel free to jump in, someone who is wiser than me), but as a guest (and a big fan of food), I would appreciate the notation.  

Viczaesar

TerriHugg said:

Viczaesar said:

TerriHugg said:

Thanks. I should have specified and indicated in the thread title that it's not for a wedding. It's just an anniversary party at a church hall. Does that change anything?

Nope.  It's the general rule for hosting, regardless of what event is being hosted.

Got it. Thanks. So if I had a party from 8 to 11, finger foods should be ok since it's not a meal time?

Yes, I should have mentioned that as an option as well.  A lot of times we hear about dessert receptions at that time of day, but there's no reason it can't be an hors d'oeuvres reception instead or as well.

theartistformerlyknownas

Yeah I always like to know what there's going to be to eat. Because food.

ETA not like specifics but like you said, "light refreshments" or whatever.

cowgirl8238

I think your plan is good. I would include the light refreshments type of line just give anyone who eats late a heads up.