Birthday BBQ, does this seem cheap?

[aprilgail2]

Honestly, yes, it does seem cheap.

My daughter and I would be leaving your party hungry- wouldn't touch a hot dog with a ten foot pole. We watched a program once about how they are made and that whole "meat batter" thing just grossed her out, I never liked them even before the show! We don't eat red meat anyway so unless there was some white meat chicken there we wouldn't be eating. I would hate to attend a hot dog only party.

 

[Taja]

As a former vegetarian (25+ years) at a time when being a vegetarian wasn't at all popular, thank you for thinking of those who are! No one ever thought about what I might eat, so I learned early to take some nuts or trail mix with me--just in case! I wasn't rude enough to eat it at the event, but frequently indulged in a light snack on the way home! *LOL* Usually, though, there was sufficient food available that I could eat that there was no problem.

You know your family best. If everyone (except the vegetarians) enjoy hot dogs, then a hot dog bar is appropriate. I like the idea of vegearian chili--not something I've ever liked, but many do!--and possibly a baked potato bar to serve along withthe hot dogs, or as a main course for the vegetarians. They can be baked in the oven in advance and be ready when the hot dogs are.

Gatherings--whether family or friends--have become rather excessive during the past 20 or 30 years. Be it food or gifts, everyone always is concerned about the opinions of others, instead of focusing on the purpose of the gathering: connecting with family and/or friends. Unless it's an upscale dinner party, food should be good, but secondary.

About fifteen years ago I began restructuring the family gatherings (they frequently include a number of non-related people, particularly at the holidays when many are away from family) that I host and simplifying them. I don't have the time, money or energy to cater to the preferences of each individual. I do advise them of the menu about two weeks in advance and let them know they are welcome to bring any prepared dishes they might prefer. The key is "prepared." A number of times people have been quite annoyed that I did not have range/oven space for them to prepare a dish on site!

We've survived all of that, and now everyone follows the same pattern. We cover the basics, but you're on your own if you want something special! *LOL*

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Is there opinion of you worth an extra $20-30? I'd buy some burgers (or meat and make your own) and some chicken.

Keep in mind, that's coming from a guy who won't touch a hot dog.....

 

[Poohforyou]

If you know everyone you're inviting eats hot dogs and you make sure you have plenty I think it's fine. However, if you know some people don't eat them you need a choice besides veggie ones. I'm not a vegetarian but I don't eat hot dogs of any kind.

Maybe you could add corn on the cob to the menu. It's really cheap now, at least here it is. It also fills people up. I could make a meal of an ear of corn and some green salad in a pinch.

 

[Beckypooh1972]

One thing that would sway me one way or the other... if your family are lavish gift givers I wouldn't just have a hot dog bar when they've been used to better offerings in the past.

My family are not lavish gift givers. We've had birthday parties for our kids where we've spent more on the food and drinks (we usually serve beer for the adults) than the value of all the gifts combined. We look at birthdays as a nice reason to get everybody together, which is really the point in my opinion.

I like the idea of the hot dog bar but you'd have to know your family to decide if you are being "cheap" or not. Adding small baked potatoes or corn on the cob is a great idea in my opinion.

 

[hsmamato2]

It's your party- serve what you want! I would never go to a party and expect people to cater to me. I would never ever think that someone was cheap based on what they serve. If they do, that's their problem. And if I wasn't a carnivore, I would think it considerate that the hostess thought of me and served veggie dogs.

when I'm invited somewhere,I'm thankful for the kindness offered. the food is second to that. ANYTHING you provide,in kindness to your guests should be just fine. I like your idea. You could also, have a few different types of dogs available,veggie,all beef,light....inexpensive and fun!

 

[Daysleeper40]

It doesn't seem cheap, just inconsiderate.

I think that is a bit out of line - the OP is being considerate by offering a veggie option, it isn't actually compulsory you know. Just because you or your family is veggie, doesn't mean it is the norm for everyone else and they will have intimate knowledge of which veggie foods you do or do not like.

I think it is a great idea and the addition of baked potatoes would make it complete. If you layed on the below I would defy most people not to find something to eat...


Mains:
Buns
Hot Dogs
Veggie hot dogs / burgers (or whatever is deemed most appropriate)
Veggie Chilli
Cheese
Sauerkraut
Onions
Baked Potatoes

Sides:
2x Salads - at least one veggie friendly,one with pasta in.
Corn on the Cob or Garlic Bread
Fries?

 

[tomthebarncat]

I think it is a great idea, there will be plenty of food, a few side salads, nice cake for dessert, and you are all set!! To those who posted this is cheap, can you please clarify why it is cheap??? because I am confused

 

[albertamommyof4]

i think it is a wonderful idea. If the person doesn't like hotdogs they can eat what else is offered or go without.
They are a guest and honestly shouldn't expect anything.
I have done hotdogs in the past and then past a potatoe and macaroni salad and have fruit and veggie platters and some chips and all is good.
If guests don't want to come just because you are serving hotdogs that is very sad, when did it be about them they are there to celebrate with you.

 

[luvmy3]

i think it is a wonderful idea. If the person doesn't like hotdogs they can eat what else is offered or go without.
They are a guest and honestly shouldn't expect anything.
I have done hotdogs in the past and then past a potatoe and macaroni salad and have fruit and veggie platters and some chips and all is good.
If guests don't want to come just because you are serving hotdogs that is very sad, when did it be about them they are there to celebrate with you.

Its not really aboout guests expecting something, its about hosting a party and taking into consideration that not everyone eats one certain type of food, in this case hot dogs. The OP asked what we thought, and said she didn't want anyone to go home hungry. I don't recall her saying people aren't going to come if she serves just hotdogs

 

[design_mom]

IMO, the OP is not inviting aquaintences that she doesn't know well. We're talking FAMILY members that I would assume she has spent time with. I love the hotdog bar idea along with the baked potatoes and some salads. I wouldn't think you were trying to be cheap, just a little creative!

I agree with this. I assume that she knows these people pretty well and knows what they will eat. If everyone who is coming is okay with hot dogs/veggie dogs then I think the hot-dog bar sounds perfectly fine. Hot dogs aren't my *favorite* thing, but I could certainly eat one at a kids' birthday party without feeling like the host was cheap or inconsiderate. And if I didn't want a hot dog, it sounds like the OP is planning plenty of side dish offerings that could make a meal.

My cousin and her partner are vegetarian and their on-the-grill-meat-substitute-of-choice is veggie dogs. But if you had a variety of meatless side dishes, I'm sure they could find something to eat even if they didn't like veggie dogs.

 

[sk!mom]

One thing that would sway me one way or the other... if your family are lavish gift givers I wouldn't just have a hot dog bar when they've been used to better offerings in the past.

My family are not lavish gift givers. We've had birthday parties for our kids where we've spent more on the food and drinks (we usually serve beer for the adults) than the value of all the gifts combined. We look at birthdays as a nice reason to get everybody together, which is really the point in my opinion.

I like the idea of the hot dog bar but you'd have to know your family to decide if you are being "cheap" or not. Adding small baked potatoes or corn on the cob is a great idea in my opinion.

Very good point and this would sway me, as well. If your family will be giving expensive gifts then I would want a nice meal. For my family it's mostly a chance to get together and wish the child, happy birthday. Most gifts are small and some will not bring a gift, at all.

Menu:
hot dogs
Brats

sauteed peppers and onions
veggie chili
kraut
cheese

chips
dip
pasta salad
potato salad

cake
ice cream

 

[KLAIT]

You know, you will never please everyone. I agree with a previous poster that said I am just grateful that someone thinks enough of me to invite us. I would never attend a party just for the food. We are not big hot dog eaters, but my son is allergic to Chicken. Only you know your family and what they would be happy with. All my family would be satisfied with a hot dog bar and think it was a pretty good idea at that. If someone didn't like what I am serving, they are more than welcome to NOT EAT what they don't like.

I agree that a baked potato bar is an excellent Idea. A lot of the toppings that would be on the hot dog bar would be on the potato bar. A nice tortellini salad would round out the veggie option with some cheese or beans in it.

We did a taco bar for my sons birthday and everyone thought it was the best idea ever andwe had very little left over because it was somehing different.

Do what you and family are comfortable with. Only you know what works for you.

 

[teacup princess]

....or just put on the invitation that they are invited to an informal backyard bbq with hot dogs and brats and let the people decide for themselves. If it bothers them they'll either 1). not come, 2.) eat a small meal at home before they arrive, or 3.) bring a dish to pass that they enjoy.

I think you're idea is cute and I like alot of the other suggestions of the potato bar, heartier salads, vegetarian chili, ect as well.... but really it's your party so serve what you want. A family get together really shouldn't be all about the food served.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

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?

Yes it's cheap to only serve hotdogs.

If I invite people over and make food, I would expect them to want to eat *one of everything.*

If you can't afford to feed people then why are you inviting them over to eat?

 

[KLAIT]

I would consider doing this type of party not "Because I cannot afford to feed people" but because of the time factor. We did this once and it was not fun for the person who did the grilling with all the different kinds of meats that were cooking. He was on the deck the better part of the party making sure all the meats were cooked correctly. That is the point I decided it was not a "fun" time for him so we chose not to do this type of party again. A hot dog bar would eliminate all that. A party is a place to visit and spend time with others--not just a place to get a free meal. As a matter of fact, I always take a dish to any party I get invited to at a house. I think it is rude not to bring something, I would really do this if "I" had to have something different. For instance, we have been invited to parties where they were serving Chicken and my son is allergic to it. We ALWAYS bring something that he can eat since he is the one that is different

 

[sk!mom]

If budget is a big concern, I also thinks it's fine to just invite family over for cake and ice cream. Just do it at maybe 2:00 pm and make sure the invite is clear. We've done this when I wasn't up for fixing a full meal or because we wanted to have something for family but were also throwing a friend party.

Last year, DD's birthday was on a Saturday so we had family over for a 10:00 am brunch. I made a donut cake. We had a variety of muffins, kolaches, fruit tray. Then we had milk, juice, and mimosas for the adults. It was nice, quick, easy, and a good start to a birthday.

We then had a friend swim party in the afternoon with hot dogs, chips, dip, candy bar, cake, etc...

Never worried if either was enough. Just invited everyone and had a fun day.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Yes it's cheap to only serve hotdogs.

If I invite people over and make food, I would expect them to want to eat *one of everything.*

If you can't afford to feed people then why are you inviting them over to eat?

I guess you missed the part where the OP explained it was a family get together to celebrate DD's birthday? I also don't think the OP said they "couldn't afford" to feed their guests - I read it that they are just trying not to be wasteful while still ensuring people enjoy their food.

I'm sure it boosts your ego for people to want "one of everything" but that doesn't mean it is necessary for everyone to have one of everything have a good time and get enough to eat. Food shouldn't be the main focus of a birthday celebration anyway - just having all the family together is the key IMO. I think it is a bit sad that you think what the OP is suggesting is "cheap" and they should not bother inviting family over to celebrate DD's birthday based on the food options available...

If budget is a big concern, I also thinks it's fine to just invite family over for cake and ice cream. Just do it at maybe 2:00 pm and make sure the invite is clear. We've done this when I wasn't up for fixing a full meal or because we wanted to have something for family but were also throwing a friend party.

Last year, DD's birthday was on a Saturday so we had family over for a 10:00 am brunch. I made a donut cake. We had a variety of muffins, kolaches, fruit tray. Then we had milk, juice, and mimosas for the adults. It was nice, quick, easy, and a good start to a birthday.

We then had a friend swim party in the afternoon with hot dogs, chips, dip, candy bar, cake, etc...

Never worried if either was enough. Just invited everyone and had a fun day.

I'm with you on this - and I am always grateful for any cake / dinner / drinks or whatever else that I am offered by family or friends... but it is not why I attend their parties. I also don't expect anything in return for the (birthday) gift I have given - regardless of how expensive it is.

 

[disykat]

I can't believe some people! "If there's not chicken we won't eat." "It's cheap to serve only one thing." etc.

Really? I've often gone to parties where the main dish is something I don't really care for (hamburgers, steak, hot dogs) and I've never in my life left a party hungry. I'd happily go to a party to celebrate a nieces birthday and eat later if there wasn't a single thing I could tolerate on the menu. I can't imagine that ever happening though. I'm sure there'd be fruit, veggies, salads, chips, cake and ice cream.

When I go to someone's home I don't expect restaurant service.

 

[aprilgail2]

i think it is a wonderful idea. If the person doesn't like hotdogs they can eat what else is offered or go without.
They are a guest and honestly shouldn't expect anything.
I have done hotdogs in the past and then past a potatoe and macaroni salad and have fruit and veggie platters and some chips and all is good.
If guests don't want to come just because you are serving hotdogs that is very sad, when did it be about them they are there to celebrate with you.

As a party host I would be very embarrassed to be serving one thing and have people not eat because they only had one choice. I make sure as a host of a party to have things that everyone will like! I know when my daughter was younger and we would go to a bbq I would bring along a piece of chicken to throw on the bbq for her since she did not eat burgers, french fries or any type of salad with mayo (which most of the bbq type salads have)- I don't eat any of that either but I can deal with not eating, she would get cranky not eating. Many times when the people cooked her chicken other people would start asking for chicken though which stunk!
Just because we don't eat red meat doesn't mean that when I have people over I don't bbq a big steak for them.