You have done Mexican food for the past few years and wanted to try something new, but the staff vetoed that decision. They want the Mexican food. We use crock pots for beans, rice, ground seasoned beef and shredded chicken. Easy and apparently good tasting. Decorating is fun and colorful.
The first year I tried to have a diverse menu each day. That didn't work for us. We just ask parents to bring in a dish. I ask if it is possible to let us know so when someone ask we can tell them what they need to bring (main dish,dessert) and on what day since we do this all week.
We did a nice luau last year it was a great hit we gave out lie and had tropical drinks (alchohol free) and had salads and chicken all sorts of stuff the staff loved it and dressed for it also it was a fun time!
We used to do a theme and everyone on hospitality would cook a dish for it, Officer would make the meat dishes. Now we order in. This year we're doing Mexicsan with virgin margarita's for cinco de mayo.
It seems people are no longer interested(or simply don't have the time)in cooking for this event.
We have done Soup Luncheons 3 times and the staff love it !! 4 large crockpots (potato, chili, veg. beef, broccoli cheese) rolls, tea, lemonade, cookies and this serves 75 staff. All donated by parents, all homemade. Tuesday we are having a "Buffet of Salads", a variety of chicken salads, taco salad, pasta salads, Italian, macaroni, dessert salads, etc. The staff is very excited ! We also solicited gifts from community businesses for drawing giveaways that day. We have something for everyone and we will put a thank you card with each. Hope this helps !
Judi