Open House- need food ideas/recipes please!

[sinderstorm]

I'm graduating with my bachelors in 3 weeks. As I'm the 'first' in both families and our group of friends to do so, everyone is pretty excited about it. So, rather than fighting the crowds at a restaurant between it being a Saturday, 10 days before christmas, and graduation day in a college town, we've decided to do an open house instead.

I'm estimating between 30-40 people will be there, the open house is running pretty much all afternoon. We're holding it directly following the graduation ceremony, so I won't be able to come home and really cook before people show up.

Looking for recipes for things I can make ahead of time and either serve cold or will survive a few hours in a crockpot while we're at the graduation ceremony and be served warm.

Thanks!

[Weddings by]

Do you have an oven to keep things warm? Are you looking for all types of food or something in particular--like appetizers, desserts, enough for a meal...?

And congratulations!!

[bethnjim]

Meatballs in the crockpots with rolls already sliced and in bowls
fruit trays with fruit dip
vegetable trays with vegetable dip
cut cheese with crackers and pepperoni
spinach dip with bread bowl (already done and in the fridge)
chips
pita bread and hummus
cookies
brownies
mini cheesecakes (I get these at wholesale clubs)
mini eclairs (once again, wholesale club)
mini cream puffs

Edited to add that I would make lots of small stuff--especially so you can refill it when needed!!--that is why I suggested meatballs. You can buy the frozen kind and have it with your favorite sauce and then when it starts running low, just dump in more to warm up as people use the other crockpots!

[sublime311]

How about a variety of soups (keep 'em warm in crockpots):

Chili
Clam chowder or even a veggie chowder
Chicken and rice
Potato leek

Also serve a nice salad and a variety of breads. You could also have your local deli make up a 3ft sub if you want something easy to go with the soup. For dessert, I would keep it simple with a pretty sheet cake - it is a celebration after all.

[sinderstorm]

Thanks guys! I have access to 2 (maybe 3) crockpots.

I have to be on campus for graduation no later than 11:30am, and our ceremony is expected to last until ~2:30pm. Add in drive time, and the items will be sitting for 3.5 hours or so if I plug them in as we walk out the door.

I like the idea of chili and meatballs. DH also suggested precooking taco meat, and doing a taco bar with all the fixings since everything but the meat can be served right out of the fridge.

I'm also thinking a shrimp cocktail ring, deviled eggs, and a 7 layer dip. Maybe add in a veggie tray as well.

We're doing BYOB for alcohol, but will be providing soda, tea, juice, etc.

[lil_geek]

I like the idea of the taco bar. I know my crock pot recipe book has a taco meat recipe... so you could easily prepare it ahead and leave it in the crock pot for 4 hours to 'warm' while at the ceremony.

[Chimichanga]

You could also do a potato bar... Many of the toppings would be the same as the taco bar. You could load up your oven with foiled potatoes. not sure if you're comfortable leaving it on (maybe a neighbor can keep an eye out). but, even if you cook the potatoes before you go, they reheat really well.