85th b'day celebration

Having an 85th birthday celebration for my mother. Am not a professional cook, but have "catered" functions for up to 150 people in the past. Am now looking for a menu or recipes to feed approx 85 people. The kitchen at the hall is not large - one "home size" stove and fridge, but I live very close by and have lots of freezer (3 full size)space, and moderate fridge (4 full sized ). Would appreciaate make ahead ideas so that I can enjoy the party. Am going to hire serving/cleaning help. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Gretchen

Hello, Gretchen!

Happy birthday to mother!

I found a really informative site for your purposes. Try:

homecooking.guide@about.com

Type in "cooking for a crowd" in the search box. LOTS of great tips, advice and recipes.

Good luck!

Julie

[cookM]

Sounds like your Mom is gonna have a great bash! Don't know if you're into looking at cookbooks, but how about The New Basics Cookbook by Rosso and Lukins and The Frog Commissary Cookbook by Poses, Clark, and Roller. In Frog, they're always preceding the recipes with stories of how they cooked for 300, so maybe that'd be helpful. Also, where is your general vicinity? Are you in a hot area?

[shroomgirl]

When is your party? Who are your guests?
ages/sophistication/gender? What are your mother's favorite foods? Budget? Scratch or box? This is a short list of questions I ask pre party.

Thanks to you both - I will try your suggestions. I hail from Lockport, NY - a small suburb of Buffalo. Thanks Again!!