Engagement party food ideas: appetizers, trays and a menu for 40

For engagement party food, think appetizers that people eat standing with a glass in the other hand. A 40-guest menu of Jumbo Chilled Shrimp, Cocktail Meatballs, a cheese tray, Antipasto Kabobs and Chocolate Covered Strawberries comes to $371, about $9.28 a guest before tax. We have no alcohol and no decorations on our menu. Call (630) 553-9533.

A menu for 40 guests

We plan 2 to 3 appetizer pieces per guest per hour for a mix. For a two to three hour party that is about 5 to 9 pieces each. The trays below total 270 savory pieces plus dessert.

• Jumbo Chilled Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce, $95, 60 pieces, gluten-free and dairy-free.
• Cocktail Meatballs, $64, 100 pieces.
• Assorted Cheese Tray with Crackers, $69, 60 pieces.
• Antipasto Kabobs, $74, 50 pieces.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $69, 35 to 40 count.

Total $371, or about $9.28 a guest. With 9.25% sales tax it is $405.32. The meatballs want a Chafing Dish Set at $17 to stay hot, which brings the total to $388 before tax.

Why this mix works

• Shrimp is the dish people notice and talk about. One tray is 60 pieces, so about 1½ each for 40 guests.
• Meatballs are hot and filling, and they cover guests who skip the seafood.
• The cheese tray and kabobs are cold and ready the whole time, so the table never goes bare.
• Strawberries give you a sweet bite for the toast.

Other tray ideas

• Crabmeat Stuffed Mushrooms, $69.
• Bacon Wrapped Dates, $74, 40 pieces, gluten-free.
• Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese & Party Rye, $80.
• Assorted Finger Sandwiches, $89, 60 pieces.
• Fresh Vegetable Crudités, $59, serves 25 to 30.

Make it a dinner

If your engagement party is a seated or buffet dinner, a hot buffet starts at $18.99 a person for 20 guests or more. Buffet Menu 3 is $20.99 a person and includes carved sirloin, chicken cordon bleu, baked cod, brisket and salmon. For 40 guests that is $839.60 before tax.

Drinks

We do not serve alcohol. For non-alcoholic drinks, we have Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade, $89 for 50 servings with cups included, and soft drinks and bottled water at $2.49 each. Bring your own for anything stronger.

Serving it

• Trays are for pick-up in Yorkville or quoted delivery, and need about three days' notice.
• Plates, Napkins & Silverware are $1.50 a person. For appetizers only, Disposable Appetizer Plates & Napkins are $0.99 a person.
• If you want servers, we need 14 days' notice. They are $35 an hour each with a 4-hour minimum.
• Set cold trays at one end and hot at the other so guests move.

More on appetizer quantities is in our appetizer prices guide. Our birthday and anniversary catering page covers other celebrations. Send us the date and the count for a quote.

Questions

How much food do I need for an engagement party?

We plan 2 to 3 appetizer pieces per guest per hour for a mix, plus one dessert each.

How much does engagement party catering cost?

A 40-guest appetizer menu from our trays is $371 before tax. A hot buffet for 40 starts at $759.60.

Can you do a dessert-only engagement party?

Yes. Trays have no minimum, and our dessert trays start at $45.

Do you provide a cake?

We do not list a cake. Our desserts are trays like cookies, brownies, lemon bars and cheesecake squares.