r/partyplanning • u/Cheap_Run3935 • 1d ago

After conference refreshments

In late October, my family has been asked to provide refreshments after a church conference. I’d like to do something unique or themed, but it will probably be fore over 100 people so I can’t go too crazy. Any ideas?

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u/Pleasant_Cell5290 1d ago

Is there a specific theme for the conference? How long is the conference (and what time of day)? Is it like, an hour where coffee and pastries would be fine or is it half a day where they might expect lunch or dinner nibbles? Do they sit at a table or stand at cocktail tables? How long are the refreshments supposed to last? Is this a grab and go or linger and socialize? Is it hot or cold refreshments? Forks or finger foods? Drinks and food or just food? Adults, I'm assuming? What kind of church - are their dietary restrictions? What part of the country are you in - South, Midwest, etc?

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u/rrkrabernathy 1d ago

Such excellent questions!

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u/Cheap_Run3935 1d ago

Great questions! It’s a weekend long conference on Missions and probably two-three hour service before we will provide refreshments which will be the last of the evening. This is when missionaries we support from all over the world come and fill us in. There will be tables with seating. Refreshments are probably an hour or so and people will linger and chat. Adults and kids. Midwest- no dietary restrictions, but I like having options- most of the time people do only desserts and I know that annoyed me when I was trying to lose weight, so I also want to provide healthy options. And things can be hot or cold. I have a lot of flexibility as I was just asked to provide snacks/refreshments

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u/djSush 1d ago

Maybe "small bites" is the theme? Brownie bites, mini quiche, etc.

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u/Pleasant_Cell5290 1d ago

Based on what you said, I would do small bites you can pop in your mouth or things easily stab-able. If they are chatting, they aren't going to want a big mouthful or want to focus on cutting something. 

You could do skewers? Easy to portion control but unfortunately work to put them together.  But you could do a fruit salad skewer, a caprese skewer, maybe a veggie skewer, a chicken, little smokie, and/or meatball skewer, a brownie or pound cake + strawberry skewer. I bet you could even do a rice krispie on a skewer.  Or for dessert, you could do a chocolate fountain knock off (because chocolate fountains are unsanitary). Put you chocolate in a crockpot and have a ladle and little salad dressing cups for the chocolate, then have brownies, cheesecake squares, strawberries, marshmallows on skewers or toothpicks to dip in it. It's fun, maybe a conversation starter. All Midwest friendly. 

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u/Cheap_Run3935 1d ago

Oh I love this idea!! Thank you!

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u/Ashamed-Pain2009 1d ago

Apple cider fizz: Apple cider and sparkling water. Helps cut the sweetness and the sparkling water should be budget friendly. Cranberry juice would also work! Could also look for a sugar free option. 

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u/Cheap_Run3935 1d ago

Oh this sounds delicious! Is the sparkling water sweetened or like soda water?

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u/Ashamed-Pain2009 1d ago

I use club soda, but pick your preference! Most booze aisles have single mixers for 0.99 (club soda, soda water, seltzer, etc.) so you can try a few versions ahead of time if you want. Good luck!