Thanks for your responses everyone!

I am not actually a fan of the idea that being a female means I'm inclined toward eating a bit of fluff. I want substantial food. I think that is probably what a lot of women enjoy.
I agree with you. I just thought of "dressing it up a bit" you know, for something different and special. Maybe even putting a table cloth down

, using the nice dishes (instead of paper plates) adding a pretty centerpiece . . . Kinda pretending that we're actually a classy bunch for the afternoon.

Maybe I should just stick to the norm.

Agree. Also, I'm not a fan of the term "girls" being applied to adult females.
My apologies, I never meant to offend anyone. Should I have said "Ladies Only?" Would that have been better?

My Mom would make up three separate fillings, get square uncut loaves of bread. Then she'd slice them lengthwise, spread the fillings in layers and put the loaf back together then ice the whole thing in cream cheese. Then, when you sliced it, you'd have these pretty layers with different colours of the different fillings.
I remember my mom doing this for her get-togethers many years ago. But for the life of me, I can't remember what the fillings were. What does your mom fill it with?
Library Dragon -- Yes, we'll be sitting at my patio table.
I was thinking of having the table set with the apps before people arrive. I don't think I'll actually have place-settings, just a stack of plates and napkins. I don't want people to think that they
have to eat since it's between lunch and dinner . . . that's another reason for the lighter fare.
Sounds fun! I usually head to the Mediterranean for inspiration. Bruschetta, spanakopita, hummus, caprese skewers, fruit and crudités. But maybe because I am so dreadfully warm right now and can't bear using the stove or oven. As for sweets, petit fours and chocolate dipped fruits wouldn't be too heavy. If grilling, I have a recipe for grilled and stuffed portabella caps that I use for vegetarian guests at barbecues.
Any of this sound appealing to you?
Bruschetta -- is a good thought, but I'll probably stick to only one sandwich type app . . . I'm leaning toward cucumber finger sandwiches* or a sandwich loaf like Outdoor Girl suggested.
caprese skewers -- Yes! excellent suggestion!
crudités -- This shows how un-classy I actually am.

I had to look this up. Oh! Veggie tray!
I would very much appreciate your recipe for the mushroom caps. I make a stuffed mushroom but am always interested in other variations. Probably won't use a grill, though. Can these be made in the oven? Thanks!
I came here to say that the timing is a bit early for tea, but I'd look at some little cakes and sandwiches that would be served at a tea--cucumber sandwiches, or watercress, with some little cakes and cookies.
This is exactly the sort of sandwiches that I was thinking of!
Just winging it, I would think of spreading a slice of hearty white bread with a cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk/cream, add a slice of cucumber and top with fresh dill . . . yes, I think I should cut of the crust and serve open face, it's just prettier that way, in my opinion.
camlan -- if you have a recipe for cucumber sandwiches, I'd love to see it. Along with a recipe for watercress sandwiches. Thanks!
I'm thinking my menu might be:
*caprese skewers
*crudités
*crackers/cheese
*Cucumber finger sandwiches (maybe watercress, too?) or Outdoor Girl's sandwich loaf?
*Stuffed mushrooms
*Winterlight's scones with whipped cream
*Fresh-cut fruits (to go with the scones and whipped cream)
Then, again, I'm thinking this is way too much for only 6 people.
Thoughts?