Birthday BBQ, does this seem cheap?

[LilyWDW]

People have different opinions on this, that is for sure. However, just because YOU do it one way doesn't mean someone is "wrong" for doing it another. Personally, I would never do something like a hot dog bar because that is just not what I do. I LOVE to cook and make new dishes, so, for me, I would want to do more. That said, there is nothing WRONG with a hot dog bar and I would be fine attending a party that does that.

Your (a general you btw) way is not the only way and it is not the "right way"... it's just your way of doing things. Judging others because they do things differently is just... sad. That is for both sides of the discussion.

 

[Marionnette]

OP, we never eat hot dogs at home. Once you hit 50, you start looking at the nutritional value of what you're putting in your mouth more often than not. That being said, I never pass up the opportunity to have one when we're at the ball park or a BBQ.

I think that your idea to have a hot dog bar is adorable and fun. My vegetarian daughter was raised to never insult her host by saying or even implying that the menu was not to her standards. It's not unusual for her to take a roll, add some cheese, lettuce, tomato and salad dressing to make herself a sandwich instead of whatever is coming off of the grill.

People who go to a birthday party and then complain that the host didn't serve them what THEY like really need a lesson in good manners. You're there for the occasion and not the food. Get over yourselves. It's not about you all of the time.

 

[Colleen27]

People who go to a birthday party and then complain that the host didn't serve them what THEY like really need a lesson in good manners. You're there for the occasion and not the food. Get over yourselves. It's not about you all of the time.

I don't think most who have criticized the hot dog bar idea are looking at it that way, though. As a guest I'd never complain about whatever the host chooses to serve, but as a host I would feel bad if I noticed people eating only side dishes because they don't care for the one entree I chose to serve or if the best my vegetarian guests could do is a meatless sandwich of burger toppings with no main ingredient. And the latter is the perspective I (and I think most others who have voiced similar opinions) am speaking from when I say I don't think a hot dog bar on its own is adequater.

 

[fakereadhed]

No joke - yikes peeps. I meandered over here to the Budget board & I think I'm reading a thread about hot dogs - guess not.

It looks like what's actually being served on the BB is judgement with a large side of snarky.

Yikes.

I suspect with the economy in the toilet everyone's on a budget these days. It's the new community board.

 

[cassandrap83]

I didn't read through all 10 pages about hot dogs....... but my 2 cents is to add in a couple crock pots full of rigatoni & red sauce. Cheap, and filling.

 

[disykat]

I'm finding it humorous that some people are trying to turn people objecting to those who insisted it's inconsiderate for a host to only serve hotdogs into some kind of attack on people who don't like hotdogs or prefer to serve several main dishes at a party.

Very few people have been nasty, but anytime people try to discuss those that have been people assume we're talking about them.

Typical day on the DIS!

Very few people have been nasty - if you haven't said you think it's inconsiderate, we're not talking about you!

 

[maggiew]

I believe the OP has decided on a pasta bar now. The new Carnival Dream cruise ship has a pasta bar. Here is their "menu". I thought it might give you some ideas.

Maggie

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

OP if you are still reading, I think anything you serve is just fine. Enjoy your daughter's birthday, your family, your friends, and health. May the weather be perfect and her day as special as can be.

And since this thread is way too intense for me, feel free to use the verse and sing along on her special day along with Happy Birthday....

On Top of Spaghetti (thought it would be cute)

On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball,
When somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table,
And on to the floor,
And then my poor meatball,
Rolled out of the door.

It rolled in the garden,
And under a bush,
And then my poor meatball,
Was nothing but mush.

The mush was as tasty
As tasty could be,
And then the next summer,
It grew into a tree.

The tree was all covered,
All covered with moss,
And on it grew meatballs,
And tomato sauce.

So if you eat spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball,
Whenever you sneeze.

 

[C.Ann]

OP if you are still reading, I think anything you serve is just fine. Enjoy your daughter's birthday, your family, your friends, and health. May the weather be perfect and her day as special as can be.

And since this thread is way too intense for me, feel free to use the verse and sing along on her special day along with Happy Birthday....

On Top of Spaghetti (thought it would be cute)

On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball,
When somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table,
And on to the floor,
And then my poor meatball,
Rolled out of the door.

It rolled in the garden,
And under a bush,
And then my poor meatball,
Was nothing but mush.

The mush was as tasty
As tasty could be,
And then the next summer,
It grew into a tree.

The tree was all covered,
All covered with moss,
And on it grew meatballs,
And tomato sauce.

So if you eat spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball,
Whenever you sneeze.

 

[ilovemk76]

I don't think most who have criticized the hot dog bar idea are looking at it that way, though. As a guest I'd never complain about whatever the host chooses to serve, but as a host I would feel bad if I noticed people eating only side dishes because they don't care for the one entree I chose to serve or if the best my vegetarian guests could do is a meatless sandwich of burger toppings with no main ingredient. And the latter is the perspective I (and I think most others who have voiced similar opinions) am speaking from when I say I don't think a hot dog bar on its own is adequater.

Exactly

 

[need2cruise]

I'm still waiting for that alfredo recipe!!!

I do not eat hotdogs or hamburgers, nor will I eat frozen chicken breasts. But I know I'm picky and do not expect anyone hosting to cater to me. I've learned to either eat before going or eat after but usually I'll find something that I will eat while at the party. It has never occurred to me to be offended before.

We were going to have a party for our teen this year. Was originally going to do the hot dog bar thing along with a variety of sides. Now I think I better change it to the pasta bar. Dd wanted hot dogs but I do not want to offend any teenagers out there! She just wanted something simple we can either make ahead of time or her and her friends can roast over the bonfire and not have to have the adults under foot the whole time!

 

[britfish]

LOL! I think I will call my pasta bar "On top of spaghetti"

 

[jm-mom]

I haven't read the whole thread so some of this may have already been said. I think the hot dog buffet is fantastic. It's very kid friendly and I think a lot of adults will also enjoy it. Yes, some may not like hot dogs or normally eat them but if you try to meet the specific tastes of every guest, you become a restaurant. Those too picky to eat what you've chosen or with a diet that does not allow for hot dogs, I personally think they should make do with what's offered or don't eat. It's not like you are feeding them forever! They could enjoy a nice day, cool beverage, maybe a plate of snacks, and most of all great conversation. On the way home they can get whatever it is they do want to eat. While food is a key element to a party, it's not the most important thing. It's being with people you enjoy and celebrating a special event together. I am diabetic and have been to mparties where there was very little for me to eat but I never expect the host to provide for my needs. I simply just enjoy being there and will have my normal meal either before or after the party.

 

[arminnie]

Personally can't stand hot dogs -- please think about offering another meat option.

Personally I gag at the thought of those pre-formed frozen burgers - but I don't think it's inconsiderate or cheap for someone to serve those. No one has to cater to my preferences. Shoot I can eat a bun with cheese and other toppings if I have to. Or I can fill up on dessert. I love hot dogs preferably not all beef. But I don't expect to get my exact preference at every meal I am invited to.

I can't tell you how many threads I've seen where people stress over and over "serve what you can afford to" when entertaining. At least the OP is not asking people to chip in money to serve steaks.

 

[dixonismydog]

We are having a family party for DD. This usually means about 10-15 family members attend. Instead of doing hot dogs and hamburgers we were thinking of doing a hot dog bar. Like having hot dogs and then set up fixings of sauerkraut, chili, cheese, onions, etc.. We have a few vegeterians so we could do veggie dogs for them. I don't want to seem cheap but when we do hamburgers and dogs or chicken everyone seems to want one of everything. I thought it might be more budget and streamlined if we stuck with one food and then the sides (and we will have salads too). Or we could add brats too? I just don't want people to leave hungry. What do you think?

I think it sounds like a great idea! I would just add a couple of salads as a side. Hopefully, family members are coming to see your DD and not really there for a gourmet meal. A few brats would make a nice addition. (I don't eat hd's or brats either but with a couple of salads there...I think I could make out just fine.)

 

[arminnie]

It makes me sad that you had 150 come to your wedding and not have a drop of food anywhere. Trust me the majority weren’t happy. I know, I know they all had smiles on.... I’m sure they invitation said “no gifts please”
I am renaming this Pinocchio thread.

You must either be a troll or very, very young. I've probably been to 50-75 weddings with no food besides cake, nuts and mints. Never made me unhappy.

OK, clearly it would be impossible for your guests to enjoy sharing the day with you unless the food is spectacular. Point taken.

Good point.

 

[Owlpost23]

This whole thread is EXACTLY why there will never be world peace...:

 

[luvmy3]

You must either be a troll or very, very young. I've probably been to 50-75 weddings with no food besides cake, nuts and mints. Never made me unhappy.

Good point.

Just an FYI, not serving a meal at a wedding is regional. I live in NY and there would never be a wedding here without a meal served at the reception.
I honestly don't know if that pp is young, or a troll but just wanted to point out that in some areas a meal is always served to wedding guests

 

[GinnyEmma]

Just an FYI, not serving a meal at a wedding is regional. I live in NY and there would never be a wedding here without a meal served at the reception.
I honestly don't know if that pp is young, or a troll but just wanted to point out that in some areas a meal is always served to wedding guests

So if a family can't afford a meal they arent worth celebrating? Sad. Another good reason to live in the Midwest.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I don't think that is what she meant... We are in the south. VERY few weddings have meals, but most do have more that cake and punch. AT least in our area, an after rehersal meal is common just for the wedding party and close family and a reception for all follows the wedding. Most weddings do heavy finger foods but that is somewhat a newer trend. Twenty-five years ago, cake and punch was served the night before the wedding and nothing after the wedding. That sorta evolved to cake and punch after the wedding and more food slowly added.

Most weddings are church focused with the whole church, thus a lot of people, invited so this a big difference in what people may be able to afford to do.