Reception Style: Luncheon

Let's Do Luncheon

You're researching your own reception style. Breakfast seems too early. Dinner is just too late. The middle of the day may be the perfect party time for you. At a luncheon reception, you serve more substantial fare at midday-and have the entire evening to yourselves. Sound appealing? Read on for the details…

WHOM IT SUITS:

Classicists. You don't follow the trends, instead sticking with items and traditions that stand the test of time. You aim for quality and simplicity in everything you do.

WHAT TO SERVE:

• Salads and pastas.
• Cold salmon or chicken.
• Toss a few quiches or crepes into the mix.
• It's suitable for buffet, station or sit-down service, depending on the size of your guest list.
• You can open the bar for this meal, but serve light drinks like champagne punch, along with fruited lemonades.

GOOD POINTS:

• The reception is early enough that you can hit your honeymoon locale that night, but late enough to let you ease into the day.
• The menu's a little pricier than brunch, and you'll start to ring up a bar tab, but you'll probably still pay a lot less than you would at dinner.
• This is prime time for an outdoor reception (except in the heat of summer).

NOT-SO-GOOD POINTS:

• Like the breakfast reception, a luncheon isn't the time for a wild party with dancing.
• Lunch doesn't lend itself to a long, lingering party.