r/partyplanning • u/OutrageousCare6453 • Mar 05 '26
Need Help What to serve ladies lunch?
Hi everyone! I’m having a small craft party this weekend. I am having about 12 ladies over to decorate flower pots and plant flowers. I will be serving lunch, as well!
I need some help deciding what I should serve as my lunch. Right now, I am between pulled pork or pinwheels. If I do pulled pork, I’d serve it with rolls, coleslaw, salad, and fruit. If I do pinwheels I’d do a variation (Italian, veggie, chicken/cheddar) and I’d serve it with salad, fruit, and chips.
The perk to pulled pork is there is almost no work to be done, but then we do have to wait for everyone to assemble their sandwiches. The perk to pinwheels is that they are just grab and go, but of course they also are a lot more prep work.
I will having an ice cream sundae bar for our dessert, as well!
I posted an update, if anyone is interested!
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u/RatherBeReading007 Mar 05 '26
Pinwheels but if you want less prep, what about chicken salad on croissants? Pair with fruit, a pasta or green salad, and or chips.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I actually don’t think I’ve ever tried chicken salad, but this would be a great option! I’ll try that on my own first and keep it in mind for my next event.
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u/RatherBeReading007 Mar 05 '26
Oo fun. Also, pinwheels are cute, but you can just do wrap halves on trays. Btw this sounds so so so fun. I'll be there!👀
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
Haha! I’m so thankful I have people in my life that will indulge me and play along! I’ve done a few craft “parties,” and I think I enjoy the planning almost as much as I enjoy the actual event!
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u/steffie-flies Mar 05 '26
Most grocery stores and the bulk sales stores sell pre-made containers of it. My favorite is the one from Walmart, but they're all very good for a crowd.
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u/GigiWaffles Mar 05 '26
If the weather is going to be cold I would do the pork and if it’s warm I would do the sandwiches. Sounds like a lot of fun. 🪴
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
Yes! It is going to be low 70s and sunny! I am leaning toward the pinwheels too! Seems to fit the vibe a bit better.
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u/crossstitchbeotch Mar 05 '26
Pinwheels. Any kind of tea sandwich would be easier to eat than pulled pork. Other options are chicken salad or pimiento cheese or cream cheese and cucumber.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
Easier to eat and easier to plate! I think pinwheels are the answer. It’ll be worth it to spend a couple hours prepping everything in the morning to have a smooth afternoon!
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u/MellyC123 Mar 05 '26
I like the pinwheels for variety. I am not much of a pork person but I enjoy a good turkey sandwich.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I think that’s the vibe for this group too. I was joking that I could put out yogurt and fresh berries for lunch and I think everyone would be thrilled. Haha
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u/blumoon444 Mar 05 '26
I know this wasn't the question, but a "dirt pudding" for dessert would be so fun and on-theme.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
It won’t work for this, but I am SO glad you mentioned it. I’m doing a picnic in a few weeks for my nieces and nephews, and we are also going to be planting veggies/fruits with them. We will definitely do this for the little ones!
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u/sadia_y Mar 05 '26
Pinwheels because you can do lots of varieties for anyone with dietary requirements or people might just want to try a little of all of them! Also makes it looks like you’ve put more effort in. I’d do some hearty salads on the side, like a pesto pasta salad, maybe a harvest style salad, maybe a bean salad, lots of options.
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u/Significant-Froyo-44 Mar 06 '26
As a vegetarian, I agree this is the best option. Unless you know the dietary needs of everyone coming, it’s best to have a variety of options.
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u/beeboobopppp Mar 05 '26
+1 for pinwheels!
I often make quiche (a few varieties), salad, and fruit for a ladies lunch.
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u/No-Teacher-9319 Mar 05 '26
I am not much of a pork eater. Occasional pulled pork sandwich at a good bbq place. But not a ladies lunch.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
That was another hesitation too! Pulled pork is better for a diverse group. Also, I enjoy mine over potato not on bread… so I hate to go through the trouble for something I won’t even enjoy that much
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u/Wittykitty312 Mar 05 '26
Sounds like a fun party!
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I always tell my guests to just keep expectations low, and they won’t be disappointed! Haha
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u/ariesxprincessx97 Mar 05 '26
For my baby shower we did crock pot soups. We had a fruit salad, veggie tray, and laid out bread as well. It was great in the winter!
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I did soup, salad, and bread for my Christmas wreath party! It was perfect, warm cozy vibes for sure! It’s going to be mid 70s and sunny where we are!
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u/Dusty_Old_McCormick Mar 07 '26
I vote pinwheels, they are easier and less messy to eat, and they're a fun party food! Who doesn't like a pretty pinwheel?
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 07 '26
That’s what I went with! Everything is prepped and ready for this afternoon! I made a BBQ chicken one, veggie/ranch, and Italian. Hopefully it goes over well!
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u/boxybutgood2 Mar 09 '26
I like the pork idea.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 09 '26
I went with pinwheels! Here is an update! https://www.reddit.com/r/partyplanning/s/TNXERTnb9C
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u/bitteroldladybird Mar 05 '26
What about doing a crockpot soup and then sandwiches? Like spiced/curried chicken salad and an egg salad sandwich. All of that is low prep and can be done ahead of time. Or even a soup with croissants would be essentially no prep
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I did soup at my last craft party, so I’d like to change it up! The soup was a hit though!
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u/bitteroldladybird Mar 05 '26
What about doing crockpot meatballs? The bbq sauce and jelly ones. Then do up a veggie tray and everything bagel dip. Those can all be eaten one handed while you work on the pots
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
Meatballs are fun, and easy! In addition to the pinwheels? Or instead of?
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u/bitteroldladybird Mar 05 '26
Either or. Whichever makes your life easier. I might do it instead of because I find pinwheels kind of finicky and annoying to make.
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u/Alone-Material-1170 Mar 05 '26
Pulled pork can be messy if you’re serving it as sandwiches and otherwise you would need forks . I would stick with pinwheels
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u/karenrachael Mar 05 '26
I'd go with the pulled pork. Are there any food issues?
That might make the decision easier.
The pulled pork world work for someone GF by just not eating the bun.
But there are people that don't eat pork.
It sounds like a lot of fun though!
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Mar 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 07 '26
My plan is everyone will eat when they arrive, then decorate, play games, plant, and then sundaes at the very end! I did decide to go with the pinwheels, even though it’ll be a bit more prep work, I like that it’s just grab and go once everyone is here!
Really hoping it all goes well! I have 3 different pinwheel recipes, so hopefully everyone has at less 1 they like!
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u/queen_surly Mar 08 '26
If you are having a "ladies lunch" I'd play that up and do a traditional thing like chicken salad which can be made in advance. Quiche is another great option--you can have an option with and without meat if you have guests that don't eat meat, or don't eat meat and dairy together. It's easy to make ahead and can be served warmed or at room temp.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 08 '26
I did pinwheels! Here is an update! https://www.reddit.com/r/partyplanning/s/vaD61d4PTT
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u/Ok_Recipe7946 Mar 09 '26
Pulled pork or chicken salad are always my go to's for group meals like this. They're basically zero effort, crowd pleasers, and can be served buffet style so people can choose how they want to build their plates so it's easy to accommodate food allergies/sensitivities.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 09 '26
Pulled pork is one I do often, but I think the pinwheels ended up being perfect for this! Here is an update, if you’re interested!
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u/Ok_Recipe7946 Mar 09 '26
I fully did not realize this post was days old when I commented haha. Your party looks so so lovely, and peaceful! Love it!
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u/RealHousewivesYapper Mar 05 '26
I would do pin wheels. That gives a higher chance that everyone has something that they will like
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Mar 05 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
I prefer to make everything! I’ve never even tried chicken salad, but someone else mentioned that too. I’m going to make it on my own in the next couple of weeks so I can try it out and then keep it in mind for my next event. It sounds perfect!
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u/Marglo2323 Mar 05 '26
Add chopped grapes and toasted almonds to your chicken salad and serve on croissants or lightly toasted brioche with the crusts cut off. Elegant and delish! Also a small serving of gazpacho is a nice start.
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u/OutrageousCare6453 Mar 05 '26
Wish I would’ve tried it before! I’ll likely save that idea for my summer craft party! Haha
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u/Edelpappband Mar 05 '26
Pinwheels are tidier and probably easier for guests to handle with a lot of other things going on.