Birthday BBQ, does this seem cheap?

[disykat]

The OP asked for opinions and people offered them up. I can't imagine anyone who went to a party with a hot dog bar as the main course would be anything less than gracious to their host for inviting them. I know I wouldn't be.

That being said I don't eat 80% of the things the OP listed that she would be serving. At a party with that kind of menu I'd put a little bit on a plate and probably push it around and then spend most of the time socializing.

I'd thank the OP for having me and if another invitation to a party was extended I'd graciously accept.

That doesn't mean if the hostess asked my opinion on what to serve I wouldn't make some suggestions to help round out the offerings.

Nothing wrong with your opinion. You sound like a gracious guest - unlike those that said they would refuse to eat. I thought I was clear that I was talking about those who called the OP rude and cheap.

 

[Dizneydaz]

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.

 

[luvmy3]

Nothing wrong with your opinion. You sound like a gracious guest - unlike those that said they would refuse to eat. I thought I was clear that I was talking about those who called the OP rude and cheap.

So, do you think the guests who don't eat hotdogs should force them down their throat in order to be gracious?
Its funny, don't you think that goes both ways. If you expect your guests to be gracious and eat food they hate the taste of, or choose not to eat a tubular shaped meat paste that has been solidified by cooking, why shouldn't the hostess be gracious and offer something else?
I'm just trying to understand your logic because as someone who hosts frequent BBQs in the summer, I make sure I have a variety of meats since I know there are people who will not eat a certain one. Thats just me, my guests don't expect anything from me, but I wouldn't feel right not providing for ALL of them. On the same token, I would never be offended by someone's choice to not eat (i.e refused) what I served, I wouldn't see that as ungracious or rude, unless of course they announced it to all that they "would never eat such food". If they just didn't want to eat it, for whatever reason, not a big deal.
The OP came here with a great idea, and asked for opinions. The only way we can give her them, is to let her know what we would do if we were in her situation. Anyway, I guess I don't recall the people who said that the OP was rude. I saw the people say cheap (which I don't agree), but that was the OPs question

 

[Poohforyou]

So, do you think the guests who don't eat hotdogs should force them down their throat in order to be gracious?
Its funny, don't you think that goes both ways. If you expect your guests to be gracious and eat food they hate the taste of, or choose not to eat a tubular shaped meat paste that has been solidified by cooking, why shouldn't the hostess be gracious and offer something else?
I'm just trying to understand your logic because as someone who hosts frequent BBQs in the summer, I make sure I have a variety of meats since I know there are people who will not eat a certain one. Thats just me, my guests don't expect anything from me, but I wouldn't feel right not providing for ALL of them. On the same token, I would never be offended by someone's choice to not eat (i.e refused) what I served, I wouldn't see that as ungracious or rude, unless of course they announced it to all that they "would never eat such food". If they just didn't want to eat it, for whatever reason, not a big deal.
The OP came here with a great idea, and asked for opinions. The only way we can give her them, is to let her know what we would do if we were in her situation. Anyway, I guess I don't recall the people who said that the OP was rude. I saw the people say cheap (which I don't agree), but that was the OPs question

Hosts are under no obligation to serve anything they don't want to. Guests are under no obligation to eat anything they don't want to.

The key is the host/hostess shouldn't comment on what guests are/aren't eating and guests shouldn't comment negatively on the choices offered. It's just basic manners and common courtesy.

 

[luvmy3]

Hosts are under no obligation to serve anything they don't want to. Guests are under no obligation to eat anything they don't want to.

The key is the host/hostess shouldn't comment on what guests are/aren't eating and guests shouldn't comment negatively on the choices offered. It's just basic manners and common courtesy.

I don't believe anyone here has suggested that the host should comment on what the guests are/aren't eating or that guests should comment negatively on what is being served

 

[tinkmom2]

And this is why we never eat meat at a cook out. The cheap hot dogs are beef, pork, chicken mix and the cheap burgers tend to be mixed with beef hearts(I read ingredients). We do not eat cheap meats & don't feed them to our kids.

You would be surprised at what fillers are used in expensive hot dogs too. Even the expensive hot dogs use parts unless you are eating Hebrew or some brand that is Kosher. Whatever you choose for your family is your choice but don't call the food police on me. BTW we don't eat that many processed foods to begin with. I was only commenting on what may work for a large gathering. This is the budget board right?

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

You would be surprised at what fillers are used in expensive hot dogs too. Even the expensive hot dogs use parts unless you are eating Hebrew or some brand that is Kosher. Whatever you choose for your family is your choice but don't call the food police on me. BTW we don't eat that many processed foods to begin with. I was only commenting on what may work for a large gathering. This is the budget board right?

I only buy Hebrew National(even for tons of company) & we really don't eat hot dogs that much.

 

[MrsPete]

I only buy Hebrew National(even for tons of company) & we really don't eat hot dogs that much.

Just to prove that you can't please everyone: That's the one brand I will not eat. I only bought them once, and my whole family hated them. We're not big hot dog eaters, and we're not overly picky, but we don't like Hebrew National.

 

[LoriNSC]

Well we are having a hot dog bar for my sons birthday in June it's just too hot to stand & grill a lot. We are renting inflatable & serving hot dogs and a lot of side dishes. And I personally don't care what anyone thinks. They can choose to come or not.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We are doing a huge graduation party for DS in two weeks. It sorta got out of hand and there are well over 100 people coming! We are trilled to spend time with these special people and they are coming to spend time with us....oh yes..we are having hot dogs! Yes, with that many people, money is an issue AND trying to grill burgers for a 100 people on our grill just is not going to work. We looked are other options but really hot dogs works fine for us and most of our friends. We will have good quality hot dogs and lots of nice toppings. We also will serve baked beans and pasta and fruit salad as well as chips. Hot Dogs are often served in our area for large groups and people who do not eat them are used to making due with the sides.

 

[Pigeon]

Nothing wrong with your opinion. You sound like a gracious guest - unlike those that said they would refuse to eat. I thought I was clear that I was talking about those who called the OP rude and cheap.

Ummm, the question the OP asked was does this seem cheap. Why is it rude to answer her question honestly? To me, yes, it would seem cheap. If she wasn't prepared to hear an answer, why would she ask the question in the first place?

That doesn't mean I (or anyone else) would convey that to the host. There are also many folks, as is evident from this thread, who don't eat hot dogs. Again, they aren't saying they would say anything rude to the host, just that they wouldn't eat the hot dogs.

 

[disykat]

So, do you think the guests who don't eat hotdogs should force them down their throat in order to be gracious?

Absolutely not! I would expect that they would eat some fruit or something and keep their mouths shut. Refusing to eat at all and going away hungry and angry because they don't like the main course is not acceptable IMO.

Ummm, the question the OP asked was does this seem cheap. Why is it rude to answer her question honestly? To me, yes, it would seem cheap. If she wasn't prepared to hear an answer, why would she ask the question in the first place?

That doesn't mean I (or anyone else) would convey that to the host. There are also many folks, as is evident from this thread, who don't eat hot dogs. Again, they aren't saying they would say anything rude to the host, just that they wouldn't eat the hot dogs.

I have no problem with people who say "yes it would seem cheap to me." You really don't see where people have taken it further than that? I have no problems with people not eating hot dogs. I'm not a fan myself. I have problems with the "when I go to someone's home I expect them to serve me something I like" attitude of some posters.

 

[tinker&belle]

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?

OP, I think if you offer chili with the hotdogs and bowls people could use for the chili if they didn't want a hot dog that would give a non hotdog option. I would make some potato salad and mac and cheese (homemade) as well, and maybe a nice green salad.

OTOH- this is why for our children's bday parties my family is moving to cake/icecream and snacks (fruit, cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, that sort of thing.) We as a family have decided it is getting to be too much and with two of my children having summer bdays and three out of four nieces and nephews having bdays in the summer it was getting to be too much.

 

[fakereadhed]

Feeling nostalgic for the old budget board days when we used to fight about the extra bun, not what's going in it.

 

[kirstenb1]

Feeling nostalgic for the old budget board days when we used to fight about the extra bun, not what's going in it.

 

[DawnM]

If your family members usually eat one hot dog and one hamburger, it would take a lot more hot dogs to equal the same amount of food.

If there are 15 people coming, it really won't cost that much more to offer burgers too. Maybe an extra $20-$30 at the most.

We are a family of 5 and 3 of us really don't like hot dogs and will only eat them if that is the only thing offered. And everyone else will pay for it later! Hot dogs just don't sit well with my digestive system.

Dawn

 

[design_mom]

If your family members usually eat one hot dog and one hamburger, it would take a lot more hot dogs to equal the same amount of food.

I would be interested to see what the OP says about this. With DH's family, everyone *takes* one of each, but only eats half of each... which means a lot goes to waste. Having multiple options just means more waste, not that people actually eat more. Everyone's eyes are bigger than their stomachs! Everyone in DH's family will eat hot dogs. I still believe that if the OP knows that her family will eat hot dogs (or veggie dogs) then there's absolutely no problem with a hot dog bar.

 

[xbatman]

If the issue is someone having to tend the grill, why not try something you don't have to grill. Just because it's an outside party doesn't mean it has to be grilled.

My daughter's bday is 7/7, so her parties are always outside.

We've done baked ham and bbq chicken in the oven or chicken and beef sloppy joe type sandwiches all of which can be prepared ahead of time.

Anything that can be made ahead in the oven or kept warm in crockpots would be great - vegetarian or not.

I'm sure we've all been to parties or other places where we weren't thrilled with the food but been able to find something to snack on. (I don't mean that OP's idea isn't good - I'm talking about the people who wouldn't eat it.)

After all, it's just one meal.

 

[SaraJayne]

OP here, thank you all for your replies.

Its not a matter of money, that was why I was saying would it appear cheap, because its not a money thing, we could afford the buffet options. Its a grill thing, a waste thing, a management thing.
Someone gets stuck on the grill in the heat of the summer cooking, burgers, dogs, veggies, chicken, etc., then the door is open and shut and the a/c goes out (we just have window units), and I never know who is going to want what so I have to buy a ton of food in anticipation of what people *might* want.
I was really trying to find one main dish and make it fun. I wasn't going to serve just dogs, I mentioned salads, I know sometimes I go to a party and just eat the different kinds of salads and am fine. I would doubt anyone would leave hungry, we are not a picky eating family.
Anyone, thanks for all the input. I really like some of the ideas, like the tortellini salad, or maybe the taco bar. Thanks again for those that gave helpful suggestions!

What we typically do for parties/get togethers is the burgers/brats/chicken (whatever the main entrees are) are grilled earlier in the morning/day and then kept in a crock pot or roaster until it's time to eat.

The food is still hot and fresh, and no one is stuck at the grill.

But I'm in the camp that thinks the hot dog bar idea is creative and picky eaters can go jump in the lake.

 

[cari12]

You are not being cheap -you are throwing a party within your means. You are also being considerate to those that do not eat meat/hot dogs by providing some other options they can eat.
If someone has special dietary needs, then they should offer to bring a dish that is acceptable for them to eat, not expect the host to buy special items just for them.
For those that would be offended and not eat anything because the menu wasn't catered to them, then they can eat before they come or when they go home. Their picky food choices are their problem, not the host's. Just be happy you were able to partake in the festivities.