Last idea floating around, a very relaxed type of open house reception. Before anyone gets upset, its extremely common where I live. In fact, all of the weddings in my local circle of friends have been this style. I'm not really looking for advice on the open house concept, more on the food being served. If it makes it easier just think of a cocktail reception where a full meal is not the expectation.
With this type of reception in mind I am considering what should be served. Most of these types of receptions I've been to are dessert only. I'd like to do something else. Time-wise, thinking of later in the evening 7:30-9:30. We love cheese and charcuterie so I definitely want a large grazing table set up. When I started considering other appetizers, like hot items, it just complicated the whole thing. So now I'm wondering if it will be enough to have a very full meat/cheese/fruit/veg/dips grazing table.
Items to be served would include:
Large cheese selection (around six types including some common types)
Charcuterie: probably won't get too exotic. Salami and ham, 3-4 choices
Plenty of sliced breads and crackers, A nice fruit selection, not just grapes. fresh sliced melon, berries and a few dried fruits. Also some nuts, olives.
Maybe marinated shrimp and/or oysters on the half shell
Maybe hummus and/or other cold dips and veggies
There will be dessert. Cake, maybe small bites of other desserts.
Flavored waters, sodas, beer, wine and prosecco.
I know not everyone is a cheese board fan, but with enough other stuff (fruit, veggies, dip, bread) I think there's quite a selection. If you were invited to a cocktail reception would you find the menu above to be okay? I should also mention that there will not be a ton of guests (and their attendance will be somewhat staggered) so the table set up shouldn't get too backed up. There will be three areas; cheese/charcuterie, dessert, beverages.
Here are some inspiration pics. I would go for a similar look, but done in a manner where it won't look a mess as soon as someone takes a few items.
Grazing table
grazing table 2