Last weekend I hosted a pre-ball gathering at home for around 70 guests — including 31 very excited teenagers heading off to their school ball. It ran from 5 to 7pm and was a relaxed, early-evening event with bubbles, wine, and a steady flow of bite-sized canapés.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly what I served, how much I made, and all the little things I learned along the way — from prep timing to what worked best for serving and pacing. If you're planning a pre-ball, party, or any event with a crowd to feed, these recipes and tips should make things a whole lot easier.