wow that sounds like an awesome idea! good for you :)

Maybe think of a theme and we could give you ideas from there? Like Mexican, BBQ, Picnic, etc...

Oh and vegan layered taco and ranch dips are to die for... And yes I get the OMG this is vegan, I can't even tell schpeel

I agree with staying away from fake meat... If anything whip up a fantastic tofu dish so they can know that tofu is not some weird substance from another planet

Maybe have one table of finger foods and appetizers, hummus and pita triangles, vegetables with dill dip, potato salad with Veganaise, quinoa salad.

Have another "coffee bar" table with coffee and tea and an assortment of your popular shortbread, mini-muffins, scones with Earth Balance and jam spreads

So, in response to several comments I heard this weekend at church about some shortbread I made for our bake sale, I've decided I want to host a vegan food party this summer to show my friends how awesome vegan food and veganism in general is. 

Soooo I'm looking for your ideas!  Anything from recipes on here to themes to entertainment to (inexpensive) favors, and anything else you can think of!  I want this party to rock!  Hit me with your creativity!

With any party planning there are several questions you have to ask yourself first.  When will this take place? Date and time answer if possible so you can get a feel for what kinds of foods to offer, ie: 10am is Brunch while 3pm is snacks.  How many people are you inviting? 3 or 30 or 300 will give you an idea of how much food you need to make and how involved your individual dishes can be.  How much are you willing to spend on this party? The answer will mean how formal you get with the food, decorations, favors and beverages.

Once you have those answers you can start thinking about if you want a theme or slant to your party.  Do you want to host a picnic or BBQ or fiesta or tropical feast or something unique that you think of.

If you want to host Brunch I would recommend making scones, biscotti, quick breads like zucchini and banana, and a coffee cake.  Then put together a fruit tray with a lovely array of toppings like granola, turbinado sugar and a bowl of coconut based yogurt (for richness).  Then have a lovely tofu based quiche or fritata full of veggies.

If you go with a picnic theme you can do everything from pasta salad to fruit salad to lentil & rice salad.  Cupcakes would be awesome as a dessert here.

BBQs should have grilled veggies, grilled fruit, baked beans, corn in husks, baked potatoes and a pie or two.  If your feeling adventurous make a lovely sauce and simmer some young green jackfruit in it for a few hours over a very low heat or in a crockpot.

Peronally I would pick a mexian fiesta theme simply because thats what I love to eat.  Rice cooked with some adobo spice then topped with fresh salsa, refried beans with tons of garlic and added small red beans, avocado salad, chips and salsa, lime & chili sauted tofu and veggie enchiladas, tortilla soup and a big pitcher of sangria.  Finish the meal with some margarita cupcakes or mexican hot chocolate cupcakes.

For favors honestly, I would simply send people home with food.  Be it leftovers or cookies premade and packaged up to match the theme or a cupcake or homemade chocolates.  But then again, I love food. hahah