[SShirley]

Our clay group is getting ready for our spring sale. We always have an evening reception, so I'm straining my brain trying to think of something interesting to take.

Does anybody have any ideas, suggestions or recipes that are perfect for an art reception?

[Chris Campbell]

Some type of single bite chocolate dessert ... You can never have too much dessert!

[clay lover]

I second the one bite item. We do strawberries when in season, ands fresh pinapple. Last well on a buffet..
Squares of cheese. Mini brownies and blondies.
Hope you have a good sale.

[nancylee]

Yes, chocolate!! Improves mood, makes people happy!! And there is a reason wine is served at Openings - it opens the pocketbook!!
Nancy

[TJR]

We ask our co-op group to each bring one item. Usually we have chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, cookies, brownies, Girl Guide cookies, whatever people want to bring. We serve punch and coffee. We don't serve wine as our event is from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. After the customers go home, then we bring out the wine!
TJR.

[SShirley]

Thanks everybody. I'll be making fudge to take. We always seem to have lots of sweets, but we usually have a good mix of stuff. I was just hoping somebody had an idea for something really different. I am not a good cook, but I can make fudge.

[Marcia Selsor]

As a former Dept. Chair and a Museum Director, I became aware of liabilities issues regarding serving wine at receptions.
Here is a nice punch that tastes like it may have something in it.

Frozen lemonade two cans and required water
Frozen Cranberry juice two cans and required water
Club Soda 2 quart or liter bottles
Ice

Veggie Dip served with sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, olives, peppers, celery,
equal parts:
Mayonaise, sour cream, small curd cottage cheese. Stir well.
Powdered ranch dressing..to taste

Marcia

[Frederik-W]

It is a very sad state of affairs when people cannot have a glass of wine at an art sale or exhibition.

It is such a nice and socially pleasant experience to stand around admiring works of art and discussing things with a glass of wine in your hand.

Seems to me that in the US people are paralysed from doing anything in case they get sued.
Is it really so bad?

Q: What's the difference between a lawyer and a leech?
A: When you die, a leech will stop sucking your blood and drop off.

[Marcia Selsor]

True. But there have been instances where accidents occur from drunk drivers. If an organization has served the wine, they can be held responsible. Sad but true.
Something to be think about. Not everyone drinks responsibly.

Marcia

[TJR]

Frederik,Marcia,et al;
I do know several Arts organizations that have a bar at their art openings. These are not craft sales, but art galleries. Some charge a modest fee for a glass of wine or a beer and this is their source of income for the show. You are correct, Frederik, it is nice to have a glass of wine with your contemporaries, and people even buy work. Most people are pretty careful about drinking too much these days because of stiff fines from police. I was just at an open house at our local art supply store last week. The wine was free, and also the beer. They had lots of food and everyone had a great time. It was a way for them to thank their customers. So, it still happens, but not so much as in the old days.
We used to have openings sponsored by a local [national] tobacco company. They served prawns, and offered free cigarettes.This was the opening everyone attended! But that was thirty years ago.They are not allowed to sponsor art or sports any longer. You didn't have to smoke the cigarettes.
TJR.

[Seasoned Warrior]

While I agree that it is nice to have a bit of good wine at a reception or opening. Only those who have never been sued are so cavalier about the legal process. I have to agree completely with Marcia. A way to avoid being sued while serving alcohol, at least in California, is to obtain the services of someone who is currently the holder of the appropriate liquor license. In California some bars and many caterers carry just that sort of license and also have the insurance to cover their service and leave you to concentrate on the show.

regards,
Charles