House warming party food ideas: a two-hour open house for 30, priced

House warming party food should be easy to eat standing up and ready before the doorbell rings. For a two-hour open house with 30 guests, we plan about 2 to 3 pieces per guest per hour, which is 120 to 180 pieces. A Cheese & Sausage Tray, 120 pieces at $79, and Bruschetta with Garlic Toast Points, 60 pieces at $45, cover it for $124.

Think in pieces, not plates

At an open house nobody sits for a meal. Guests walk through rooms, hold a drink and pick up food with one hand. That means small items, no knife and fork, and no dish that needs a second hand. Count pieces, not servings.

• 2 to 3 pieces per guest per hour is our planning guide for a mix of appetizers.
• For 30 guests over 2 hours: 30 x 2 x 3 = 180 pieces at the high end.
• If people arrive after dinner, plan fewer. If the open house runs through dinner, plan more and add a hot tray.

A priced menu for 30 guests

• 1 Cheese & Sausage Tray, 120 pieces, $79
• 1 tray Bruschetta with Garlic Toast Points, 60 pieces, $45
• 1 Seasonal Fresh Fruit Display, $74
• 1 Assorted Dessert Tray, 40 pieces, $59

Total: $79 + $45 + $74 + $59 = $257 before tax, or about $8.57 a guest. Add 9.25% sales tax. The cheese and sausage tray plus bruschetta is 180 pieces of savory food, which is the high end of the plan above. The fruit and the dessert tray round it out so there is something sweet and something light.

Add a hot dish

Cold trays are the easiest to host with because they need no oven. If you want one warm item for the kitchen counter, Cocktail Meatballs are $64 for 100 pieces. A chafing dish at $17 keeps them warm and is yours to keep, so you will still have it after the party. With meatballs added, the menu is $257 + $64 + $17 = $338.

Other hot trays that work for a standing party: Bacon Wrapped Dates, 40 pieces, $74, and Mini Italian Sausage Kebabs, 60 pieces, $74. See the full list in our catered appetizers guide.

Planning the house

• Two food stations. Put one in the kitchen and one in the living room or on the patio. That keeps a crowd from forming at one spot.
• Napkins and small plate Disposable Appetizer Plates & Napki are $0.99 a person. For 30: 30 x $0.99 = $29.70.
• Drinks. We do not serve alcohol. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water are $2.49 each, and Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade is $89 for 50 servings with cups included.
• Food out on time. Pick up the trays shortly before the start so the cold ones stay cold. Delivery is quoted when you order.

Timing and ordering

Trays have no minimum and we need three days' notice. So you can order the week of the party, but call earlier if you are planning for a weekend. We are open Monday to Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 2. Call (630) 553-9533 or send your date and headcount through the quote form. For similar hosting ideas, see our open house food ideas and drop-off catering.

Questions

How much food do I need for a house warming party?

Plan 2 to 3 appetizer pieces per guest per hour. For 30 guests over two hours, that is 120 to 180 pieces.

Can I serve a full meal at a house warming?

Yes. Order a hot tray like Baked Mostaccioli, $45 or $75 by size, or BBQ Pulled Pork at $95 for 20.

What should I do about guests with dietary needs?

Include something vegetarian, such as Fresh Vegetable Crudités at $59, and tell us about allergies when you order.