I think most food options are open to you. You can assemble stuff ahead of time so that you only need heat it, if necessary, on the day of the party. A slow cooker might also give you lots of options.

I think the biggest consideration to be answered first is whether you and your friends are likely to be tipsy all day or drunk all day. If tipsy, your choices are wide open, and slightly adventurous would be appealing. If drunk, go lighter on spicy and acidic food, and heavier on starches.

Mardi gras! On my list of things to do :-)

Are you looking for things you will need to heat at all, or only cold foods? Also, how many people will be coming and going? Munchies or meals?

marg

Speaking as the girl who threw all the college parties (involving lots of booze and people in their 20s), I'll suggest the list of things that I usually made that were perfect for that group:

- Jalapeno Cheese Dip! everybody loves it and it's so simple: melt velveeta cheese, then mix in a small can of jalapenos, chopped. (not pickled jalapenos, but that would probably be good too. If not jalapenos, you can toss in a jar of salsa instead. Both are good.). Keep warm if possible, even if you just nuke it once in awhile. Serve with nacho chips and cut veggies.

- Meatballs of some kind. Always have an electric skillet or crockpot of meatballs of some kind. :)

- Sausage breads or pizza

- Everybody loved little hotdogs (or a half of a regular hotdog) rolled in biscuit dough and baked. Sometimes I'd stuff with a wedge of cheddar cheese in the hotdog too. Serve with mustard. Very easy!

- sour cream & dill dip in a rye bread

- potato chips and various dips

- crackers & cheese

- hot ham sandwiches (heat deli ham and serve on good rolls)

All stuff that's easy to prepare and easy to eat and what most 20-something drunks want. LOL!

You could update it today with some more "healthful" things like veggie and fruit trays, hummus dip & pita bread, ... but I'd best most will go for the meat and cheese. LOL!