Birthday BBQ, does this seem cheap?

[mjbaby]

I think a hot dog bar is super creative (although I doubt it'll be all that inexpensive once all the clever toppings are bought!) and lots of fun. People who don't want a hot dog can fill their bun with chili and onions, roasted veggies or whatever. I doubt that the hot dogs are actually mandatory! If the OP buys a sleeve of those paper "boats" like you get at ball parks, that would up the nostalgia factor, too, making it even more festive.

Here's a blog post outlining what one family did - I'd love to go to a party that like! (also: here is a link to a caterer's page outlining a hot dog bar, along with the list of their very fun toppings.)

As for the rest, when it comes to hospitality I figure that if a prospective guest cannot graciously accept what is offered in the spirit in which it is presented then he or she ought to rethink accepting the invitation and maybe spend some time pondering why the presence of hot dogs at an event outweighed the opportunity to spend time with friends in celebration.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Well, I'm not a vegetarian but I also don't eat hot dogs (except the occasional Hebrew National). I think the hot dog bar is cute. Neither of my kids likes hot dogs (and my younger DD doesn't like burgers or chicken, either ), but they have yet to leave a party hungry. It would never occur to complain about a host who chose to serve hot dogs, even if asked. I don't expect hosts to cater to everyone or offer multiple meat options so we can all find something we like. You're hosting a birthday party, OP, not running a diner. It's one meal - no one is going to starve if they don't have meat once in a while.

I also like the potato bar, taco bar, and veggie chili ideas. I also don't like DH to be stuck at the grill during a party, so it is very helpful to stick to one kind of meat. I'd probably cook some taco meat and keep it warm in a crockpot, then offer shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, guac, beans and shells and/or tortillas. Vegetarians could make a bean burrito or bean taco salad or a bean/cheese quesadilla if you want to use the grill or a pan inside.

The vegetarians on this thread have been very gracious (as have many others), but I am amazed at some of the people who complain that they would leave hungry if hot dogs were the only choice. So? It's not about the cost, either - if I went to a dinner party where the host served veal or lamb, I wouldn't eat it, but I wouldn't expect them to cook up a chicken breast for me. If I didn't get full on the delightful side dishes, I'd eat something when I got home.

 

[maraki527]

I think a hot dog bar is a good idea. It is a family party only so perhaps the OP can call the family that are vegetarians and ask which brand of hot dogs they would prefer since vegetarians here are saying that they are not good.

Hot dogs, corn, baked beans, salad, pasta/potato salad, chips, dips, that sounds fine.

I am glad I dont have to invite some of you picky people to my parties!

 

[jordansmomma]

Love the idea of a hot dog bar. Did you see the recent issue of Food Network magazine? The had 50 different hot dog toppings. Some of them sounded, and looked, really good! (Sorry if this was mentioned but after reading the first page of replies I decided to skip the rest and just post my own) Definitely not just a kid's food.

I would rather have a good dog (like a Hebrew National) than a bad burger any day! In the summer we have hot dogs (Hebrews) about every week or so.

Have plenty of toppings and sides and you should be fine. I like jordansmomma's list. I would probably add cupcakes!

There was also a article in Food Network Magazine earlier this year (or late last year) about having a grilled cheese party. We thought it looked like a great idea and still plan on having one. Seems more like a fall idea though. not cheap, but creative.

Thanks! We also had birthday cupcakes, baked beans & chips!
I need to get the Food Network magazine!

 

[secretpantssam]

I think it's a great idea. And frankly you should be able to serve whatever you'd like a your own party. I never go to a party and expect the host to serve something specific that I like. They are welcoming me into they're home and if I don't like what they're serving, I don't have to eat it. Maybe if people offer to bring things let them know what your serving. That way if they absolutely don't want hot dogs, they can bring different food.

Do what makes you happy, you're the host!

 

[jpeppers]

This topic had had the rudest replies I think I have ever seen on a DIS board. If I choose to go to someones home and they are nice enough to serve food I am very appreciative. I am not a big hot dog eater but if that is all that is offered I can eat what is offered or I can eat when I get home. The hosts don't owe me a meal but they did offer me one with some options which is incredibly nice. I can't believe some of the posters think that they should be offered a menu! If you want a menu fork out some money and go to a restaurant! It amazes me how rude people can be.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I still don't see the part where the OP states they can't afford to feed their guests? All they have said is that they want to be more budget and streamlined.

I mention ego as that is how your post came across to me - that you like to put on a big show and have everyone over-indulge to make you feel good.

What I am saying is having one main dish with a veggie option and sides / salads is completely adequate - no one needs to go home hungry with what the OP is suggesting... and yes, of course you should always be thankful to be invited to any party / event! Do you think it is the other way around - that your host should just be grateful to have you there to comment on the food they have offered you?

I don't suppose I would faint if I saw your holiday offerings - my family is much the same. That still doesn't mean that it is compulsory, necessary or those that don't want to spend that much time cooking or, heaven forbid, can't afford to put on some kind of banquet are "cheap". I don't really feel the need to bring anyone's mother into it

Again - you are saying "I wouldn't invite people over to eat" like that is the main point of this party. It's not - DD birthday is why people are being invited over. It's not a dinner party and the guests are not food critics. It's a family birthday bbq.

The OP asked for opinions and I gave mine-- why do you have a problem with that?

Every post is open to interpretation. When I read that someone is worrying about how much their guests' eat and if she makes certain foods, that her guests might want one of each--I come to my own conclusions. They might not be the same as yours--so what do you want me to say?

You say my post comes off as showy and egotistical? Why? Because I wouldn't limit my guests' hot dog consumption or I like to put out a nice spread?

Sorry, if I invite people over to eat, I don't worry about how much they eat because I buy enough food for them to eat. Any extra food can always be frozen, used another day, or sent home with your guests.

Like I said, my philosophy is it's better to have too much than not enough food for your guests.

 

[LilyWDW]

OP, I think it is a really cute idea. Make sure to have a few different sides (aka, don't make both pasta salad and potato salad with a mayo base) so that those who don't want a hot dog still have plenty to choose from. Some people can be picky about what they eat, including the brand of hot dog. I prefer Vienna Beef which are very hard to get around here. I will also enjoy Hebrew National or Nathens. A Nathens hot dog fresh off the grill.... YUM!

Is it something I would do personally? Most likely not, but I always make way too much food and have a HUGE selection. That's just what I am like because I am always afraid if there will be enough for everyone... and because I simply like to have variety and to cook all kinds of things. Then, I always have way too many left overs, complain about it... and then do the exact same thing next time!

 

[DawnM]

I don't think the brats will change the "everyone wants everything" and brats can be pricey.....so I don't think the price will change with everyone getting a brat vs. everyone getting a burger.

Dawn

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?

 

[shoney]

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 is a cute idea. I only read through some of these...but wow! is all I can say!
My sister inlaw is a vegetarian and she just eats the sides. I've had st.patty's day parties where one mother left and went to McDonald's to feed the kids. In other words you can't please everyone.
Have your party...have fun! If someone leaves hungry they can stop at the drive-thru!

 

[Handbag Lady]

OP, all I can say is that my family would LOVE to attend your party.

We love hot dogs and experiment with putting different things on them. BBQ sauce and spray cheese are my favorites.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Look at it this way. When people serve pizza as the only main course they order several different types. So serving hot dogs is no different since the party goers will have a variety of different toppings.

So don't worry about just serving hot dogs. And have fun. Its for your DD and she will have a great day!

 

[disfan07]

I don't think it's rude, it's just not something anyone in my family would ever do. In my family, we have all been raised that you have a variety of food and you can never have too much. But I swear that is partly coming from a Jewish family. Jewish grandmothers cook for an army even when only having a few people over.

When we go to my aunt and uncles for just a BBQ (no special reason....just ebcause), There are usually about 10-15 of us. My uncle BBQs 3 different kinds of meat, there are like 10 different sides, desserts, etc. There are ALWYAS left overs and many options. But that is how we were all raised.

If we are expecting 10-15 people, we have enough food for about 20-25 (usually more). If we are expecting between 20-25 people, we have enough for 30+. It's just what we do. But I wouldn't think anything less of people who don't do the same.

I love hotdogs and having a variety of toppings would make it even better.

 

[Disney Doll]

OP, I think it sounds great! I love hot dogs. I have also decided that I am probably going to die a horrible death at a relatively young age because compared to all the people on this thread, I am a TERRIBLE eater! I like hot dogs....don't care what brand, potato chips, all the crap food. I eat Wunderbar Baloney ($1.69/lb...imagine what's in that!!!!!!!), like whipped cream, ice cream....dear God, I can hear my arteries hardening as I type!

I'd do the dogs, the toppings bar, get some big potatoes that you can bake ahead of time and then the toppings bar can count for the hot dogs or the potatoes for the vegetarians that come, a pasta salad, a green salad, the classic strawberry Jello salad that is a requirement at every family barbecue , maybe some baked beans, cake or cupcakes and be done. If people offer to bring something, tell them to bring an appetizer. Toppings bar could be all the stuff you mentioned and maybe add some broccoli (for the broccoli & cheese potatoe) and sour cream.

What time should we be there?

 

[winesis]

This topic had had the rudest replies I think I have ever seen on a DIS board. If I choose to go to someones home and they are nice enough to serve food I am very appreciative. I am not a big hot dog eater but if that is all that is offered I can eat what is offered or I can eat when I get home. The hosts don't owe me a meal but they did offer me one with some options which is incredibly nice. I can't believe some of the posters think that they should be offered a menu! If you want a menu fork out some money and go to a restaurant! It amazes me how rude people can be.

 

[C.Ann]

I think it's a great idea.. Not every meal/party is "required" to have a meat option.. Plenty of toppings; plenty of salads and sides; assorted fruits; a dessert (if you're so inclined); and everyone should be fine..

For those who don't eat hot dogs, there will be plenty of other options if you go with the suggestions above..

I wouldn't concern myself with what "others" think.. Do what works for you - budget wise and time wise.. If the non-hot-dog-eaters aren't able to find anything at all to eat with a good assortment of salads, sides, and fruits available, I would just assume that they're picky eaters and wouldn't be satisfied no matter what I served..

Have fun!

 

[wthchristi]

Coming from a monster family with a gazillion birthdays where a birthday party is 50+ guests- I think it sounds like fun. I would hope your guests would be there to help celebrate the birthday and be with the people they love- not judge the food offerings, lol.

I love the disboards but sometimes they make me shake my head. If any of my family had the nerve to call me cheap or inconsiderate- I would show them inconsiderate as I toss there hiney's out my front door. I am worth more then being treated with that type of disrespect.

Oops, forgot to add- Firepit!!! Let everyone roast there own hot dog.

 

[NYCDiane]

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 fun! You can kind of decorate the hot dog bar like a hot dog stand.'

I would stick with hot dogs, fixins, and various salads. You can probably get a couple of jugs of iced tea and maybe 2 tubs of ice with sodas and waters.

Have a radio (or whatever) for some music, maybe some games and a "raffle". The only thing I would make sure of: make sure there's enough seating and tables for everyone! Nothing irks me more than being invited to a BBQ and getting my food and having absolutely nowhere to sit and enjoy it.

It sounds like a great party!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Ok, for those that find it "cheap" or inconsiderate, what are some suggestions? We have 100 people invited to graduation party and we have to keep cost down and make it easy as it is a Friday and my grill man works till 5:00. Looked at bar-b-que but it is just too expensive. We will most likely do the hotdogs but what are other suggestions for us?????

 

[luvmy3]

This topic had had the rudest replies I think I have ever seen on a DIS board. If I choose to go to someones home and they are nice enough to serve food I am very appreciative. I am not a big hot dog eater but if that is all that is offered I can eat what is offered or I can eat when I get home. The hosts don't owe me a meal but they did offer me one with some options which is incredibly nice. I can't believe some of the posters think that they should be offered a menu! If you want a menu fork out some money and go to a restaurant! It amazes me how rude people can be.

You need to get out on the DIS a little more then