Michael Odom > wrote in
:

> We're having a shindig at our place the last Friday of the month.
> We're expecting about 55-60 people. It's to be an open house for her
> department (academic, that is) and mine, along with several guests
> from Dallas. D just informed me that the function she's accepted
> responsibility for is traditionally a dinner.

Hire the caterer; enjoy the catered affair. Seriously, as much as you
enjoy cooking, you may not enjoy cooking for 55-60 people, and it doesn't
stop there. For one thing, as good a cook as you may be (and I suspect
you're very good), the numbers could be daunting. You'll need time and
energy to play "host" to that crowd and you won't want to spend the entire
time concerned with cooking and serving.

Either option sounds good, but it's really a personal choice. Both sound
well-experienced, so consider what type of meal each could offer.

--
Wayne in Phoenix

If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it.