Birthday BBQ, does this seem cheap?

[riley2008]

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.

ita

 

[luvmy3]

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?????

FTR, I don't find the hotdog idea cheap, and even though I would offer something else if it were my party, if I was at a party and thats all that was served I wouldn't think of the host as inconsiderate.

I can't tell by the tone of your post if you are seriously asking but there are a ton of things that can be done inexpensively, and added to your menu. 100 people is alot to just grill hotdogs. If you are figuing 2 for each person, thats 200 hotdogs your grill man is going to have to sit there grilling.
All these things can be cooked prior to the party and just re-heated or kept warm for serving.
You can do frozen meatballs (chili sauce & jelly recipe) in the crockpot
BBQ pulled pork in crockpot
BBQ chicken legs and/or thighs (can be cooked before the party and a quick re-heat on the grill)
Sausage and peppers
Taco bar (ground beef can be cooked earlier)
mac and cheese
baked ziti
chili

 

[krcit]

I think I'm missing something. OP asked for opinions and she got them. I didn't see any posters say that they wouldn't go to the party or would tell the host that they were unhappy with the food choices. People gave their opinions which were asked for. I said that I wouldn't eat a hot dog. Does that make me rude and inconsiderate? I would NEVER tell the host, I would make do with sides or eat later. Posters are giving various opinions because the OP asked for them and wanted to know what we thought.

 

[kirstenb1]

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?????

In your situation, I'd do 2 types of pastas, garlic bread, salad, cookies or cupcakes, and done!!

It would be so easy to make up the ingredients for baked ziti ahead of time, then just finish in the oven. Then, I'd have a vegetarian pasta, either alfredo, or veggie lasagna, or even spaghetti with marinara. The tossed salad could be prepped ahead of time, and the garlic bread could be done quickly.

 

[luvmy3]

I think I'm missing something. OP asked for opinions and she got them. I didn't see any posters say that they wouldn't go to the party or would tell the host that they were unhappy with the food choices. People gave their opinions which were asked for. I said that I wouldn't eat a hot dog. Does that make me rude and inconsiderate? I would NEVER tell the host, I would make do with sides or eat later. Posters are giving various opinions because the OP asked for them and wanted to know what we thought.

I'm missing it too so you are definitely not alone.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I think it's a great party idea. I like it because it would be simple to prepare and something fun and interactive for your guests. I would probably be more likely to do something like that for a kids-only party--if I was having lots of adults over I would likely throw in some brats as well (but I live in WI and we eat brats all the time!). You know what--I take that back--not too long ago my mom did a super bowl party where she served chili cheese hotdogs and they were awesome! Big hotdogs from the deli, topped with chili and lots of cheese, then baked in the oven to melt the cheese...and everyone could top with onions and other toppings if they wanted. So...I think it's a great idea regardless of the ages of the crowd.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Here is something I thought of when reading the responses from all of the picky-pickys on this board (some of the responses CRACKED me up and were very entertaining)...I wonder how many of them would turn away a sample of a hot dog at the grocery store of a free hotdog at an event (they have given them away at casinos and car dealerships I have been to)? Probably not many. We have a saying in my family: "Free Eats is Free Eats" and I doubt that many would turn up their noses at a hot dog when offered (other than an allergy or something like that).

While hot dogs are not expensive, they are not something that you people have to snub your noses at. Hot dogs are an all american food and there are some very high quality hot dogs out there. There is also a reason why some of the classiest cities out there are known for serving hot dogs and tourists seek out eating this hotdogs on trips--Chicago, New York, etc. MOST people in this country find them totally YUMMY!

Oh, by the way, I LOVE the idea of adding a baked potato bar. We have had baked potato parties in my family as well and those have gone over well.

 

[daisyduck123]

Yes, that is cheap, IMO.

If I'm having a party, I'm going to serve substantial food...otherwise, I wouldn't bother having the party.

 

[disykat]

I think I'm missing something. OP asked for opinions and she got them. I didn't see any posters say that they wouldn't go to the party or would tell the host that they were unhappy with the food choices. People gave their opinions which were asked for. I said that I wouldn't eat a hot dog. Does that make me rude and inconsiderate? I would NEVER tell the host, I would make do with sides or eat later. Posters are giving various opinions because the OP asked for them and wanted to know what we thought.

You must have missed the post telling her she was inconsiderate. Oh - and the one where "if there's not chicken, we won't eat."

Yes, many people, including myself, have said they don't eat hot dogs - but that they would find other things to eat at a party that served them. Those aren't the posts people are reacting to.

 

[Kycha]

Here is something I thought of when reading the responses from all of the picky-pickys on this board (some of the responses CRACKED me up and were very entertaining)...I wonder how many of them would turn away a sample of a hot dog at the grocery store of a free hotdog at an event (they have given them away at casinos and car dealerships I have been to)? Probably not many. We have a saying in my family: "Free Eats is Free Eats" and I doubt that many would turn up their noses at a hot dog when offered (other than an allergy or something like that).

I think you are wrong. Just because something is free does not make me want to eat it. I don't like hot dogs. Period, end of story. I don't care if it's a sample at a grocery store or a gourmet hot dog that costs $10. I won't eat it. But I don't make a big deal out of it. Honestly, my DMom is always surprised when I tell her I don't like hot dogs. Believe me, I wish I liked em. It would make a night at the ballpark a lot cheaper. And I would never expect a host to cater to my picky tastes though. I would make do with sides or grab a bite on the way home from the party.

 

[hellomark]

Next week, we are having a family party. We are about 12-15 members in party.Please suggest me what we have to prefer in snacks.

 

[aprilgail2]

Here is something I thought of when reading the responses from all of the picky-pickys on this board (some of the responses CRACKED me up and were very entertaining)...I wonder how many of them would turn away a sample of a hot dog at the grocery store of a free hotdog at an event (they have given them away at casinos and car dealerships I have been to)? Probably not many. We have a saying in my family: "Free Eats is Free Eats" and I doubt that many would turn up their noses at a hot dog when offered (other than an allergy or something like that).

While hot dogs are not expensive, they are not something that you people have to snub your noses at. Hot dogs are an all american food and there are some very high quality hot dogs out there. There is also a reason why some of the classiest cities out there are known for serving hot dogs and tourists seek out eating this hotdogs on trips--Chicago, New York, etc. MOST people in this country find them totally YUMMY!

Oh, by the way, I LOVE the idea of adding a baked potato bar. We have had baked potato parties in my family as well and those have gone over well.

I don't care if they are free or not- I wouldn't eat a hotdog if they paid me money to eat it, they gross me out--just don't like them-never had never will. Not snubbing nose because they are cheap eats, I just hate them!

 

[mhsjax]

I don't care if they are free or not- I wouldn't eat a hotdog if they paid me money to eat it, they gross me out--just don't like them-never had never will. Not snubbing nose because they are cheap eats, I just hate them!

I wish I hated them. I love them, LOVE LOVE LOVE them. It runs in my family. I do try and buy the good ones.

My mom hated tea. No one could understand that. She hated it all, iced and hot and all brands and flavors. She tried and tired to like it, but she just couldn't get even one sip down, and she is a true blue southerner. That is blasphemy.

 

[design_mom]

wonder how many of them would turn away a sample of a hot dog at the grocery store of a free hotdog at an event (they have given them away at casinos and car dealerships I have been to)? Probably not many.

I am in the "hot dogs aren't a favorite, but I could eat one at a birthday party" camp. However, I probably would not eat a free one at the car dealership either. I don't like them well enough to seek out hot dogs (even free ones), but if that's what's for dinner I will eat one and not complain nor feel that my host was cheap or inconsiderate.

I wish I hated them. I love them, LOVE LOVE LOVE them. It runs in my family. I do try and buy the good ones.

My mom hated tea. No one could understand that. She hated it all, iced and hot and all brands and flavors. She tried and tired to like it, but she just couldn't get even one sip down, and she is a true blue southerner. That is blasphemy.

I'm with your mom on the tea. I *wish* I liked it. I've *tried* to like it, but I really can't stand it. My DH's family loves tea and think it cures just about anything that ails you.

When we were in Russia to adopt our daughter, the orphanage director provided a little spread to celebrate the adoption. She served tea. I didn't want to appear rude, so I thanked her and drank about 1/2 the cup. My husband said he was amazed. Sometimes you just gotta take one for the team.

 

[mombrontrent]

Yes, that is cheap, IMO.

If I'm having a party, I'm going to serve substantial food...otherwise, I wouldn't bother having the party.

So you wouldn't bother celebrating a DD birthday unless their was a feast. If a family (not saying the OP) is have finacial trouble but still wants to celebrate a event or birthday they shouldn't because they don't have the money to provide guests with a feast Wow! Like I said before I think the OP offerings are great and I am a vegetarian and would leave happy. It's sad to think it's all about the food to some people and not about having a great afternoon with family and friends. I love to entertain and cook for family get-togethers but would be hurt to learn that people are only coming for the food. Go to spend time with your loved ones and consider whatever food as served as a bonus and be grateful of whatever the spread is, nobody owes you anything. I agree some responses have been very rude.

 

[JENOS]

You can’t accommodate everyone but you should have a menu that most people would like. If it is a thing about money, then why invite so many people over? They will most likely bring cash so you should show some appreciation by providing them with a decent amount of selections. If you can’t afford it, then don’t do it. Why people haven’t understood this concept yet still baffles me!
I’m sure people want to give their child a special day with lots of gift, but that isn’t always possible.

I am having about 80+ for DD Graduation party on 6/11; DS will be 1yr on 6/18. I could have combined both parties to save money, but that wouldn’t be fair to DD on her special day. So we will celebrate his 1st birthday while at Disney in July. It will still be special and will spare my guests the burden of bringing two gifts on that day.

 

[mlaw]

Man, it is not even 9am yet and now I am really craving a hot dog! It is going to be a long time until lunch.

 

[britfish]

In an odd turn of events my daughter asked me last night if she could change her menu choice for her birthday dinner. She said she would like pasta. So after all this controversy I am afraid to even ask how people would feel about a pasta bar!

 

[mombrontrent]

You can’t accommodate everyone but you should have a menu that most people would like. If it is a thing about money, then why invite so many people over? They will most likely bring cash so you should show some appreciation by providing them with a decent amount of selections. If you can’t afford it, then don’t do it. Why people haven’t understood this concept yet still baffles me!
I’m sure people want to give their child a special day with lots of gift, but that isn’t always possible.

I am having about 80+ for DD Graduation party on 6/11; DS will be 1yr on 6/18. I could have combined both parties to save money, but that wouldn’t be fair to DD on her special day. So we will celebrate his 1st birthday while at Disney in July. It will still be special and will spare my guests the burden of bringing two gifts on that day.

I will say again, some people do not have alot of money and never will. They are always tight on money and it's hard enough to just pay the bills. Should their children never get to celebrate their birthday with family and friends. If all the parents can afford is one option such a pizza or hotdogs should the child never have a birthday party. That would be incredibley sad. I hope that childs friends and family would love to come to the party regardless of the meal offered. Jeez people it's NOT ALL about the food.

 

[JENOS]

So you wouldn't bother celebrating a DD birthday unless their was a feast. If a family (not saying the OP) is have finacial trouble but still wants to celebrate a event or birthday they shouldn't because they don't have the money to provide guests with a feast Wow! Like I said before I think the OP offerings are great and I am a vegetarian and would leave happy. It's sad to think it's all about the food to some people and not about having a great afternoon with family and friends. I love to entertain and cook for family get-togethers but would be hurt to learn that people are only coming for the food. Go to spend time with your loved ones and consider whatever food as served as a bonus and be grateful of whatever the spread is, nobody owes you anything. I agree some responses have been very rude.

If a family is having financial trouble then they should get a cake and celebrate it within themselves. If they decide to throw a party then they should have a menu that will satisfy most (as all is impossible).having hotdogs as the only option makes you look greedy since guest would be required to bring a gift. And if it is only about spending time together and not a special occasion and you don’t have money to feed your family, then it should be pot luck.

I think people mistake honest with rude, it is rude to you because family is never honest with each other!