Budgeting for 2 Parties and Food ?'s

[dreamin_disney]

Hello. I'm having my daughter's Two Birthday Parties. She's turning 18. My first Plan was having her a huge party at a hall but she wanted something simple. Having a December Party is difficult due to never knowing what weather will be like. If weather is nice than an outdoor party would have been awesome and everyone would fit in backyard. All guest wont fit in my house if weather is bad. Plus having two parties will be cheaper because halls are expensive and with Christmas is $$$ in one month.

Party 1. We have 45 guest(confirmed). yes, it sound like a lot but these are close family her Aunts, uncles, grandparents and a few cousins.

She wants Costco or Sam's Pizza. How many pizzas would I need??????
Guest numbers
8 kids under age 6
6 kids are under age 7-10
2 teens
29 adults
total guest 45

Pizza and salad main food
appetizers before Pizza arrives
crockpot full of cheese for nachos.
veggies n dip
spinach dip or cheese ball
cut up watermelon
and maybe jalapeno poppers or chicken noodle soup(it cold weather)


---------------------------------------------------
Party 2 Bonfire Party

never had a bonfire but plan on using the fire pit we bought last year for the first time.

There's 37 teens on that list but I'm going with only 1/2 showing up so 20 haven't sent out invites for that yet.

My daughter wants to do Pizza and nachos for that too. What else should I have for that...smores and what do I buy to roast the marshmallows?

any other foods, snacks or appetizers??


I know some might say 2 parties!!! lol! But my daughter is very simple and just wants close family but her dads size is huge! She didn't want a hall party because she didn't want me spending a lot of money. She feels bad. Hubby's step mom asked her what her favorite food was which DD answered Panda express , Step mom said ok order that for your Bday and we will go in on it with us but DD kept telling her no, its ok and felt bad. After step mom left my DD felt over whelmed and when step mom asked her what her favorite food was and dd told her she thought she was asking so she could get her a giftcard for her bday. lol! I told my DD that having the two parties is way cheaper than the Hall party so not to feel bad.

So any ideas or tips would be great

 

[TwoMisfits]

Assuming 8 slices/pizza and 3 slices/person, I'd go with 17 pizzas for the 1st party.
I wouldn't bother with a cheese ball - there will be cheese overload with the pizza. I'd do the spinach dip and the cheese for the tortilla chips and put the chip between both dips. I wouldn't bother with the soup - that will be a pain to serve (needing heat proof bowls/cups + spoons on top of the plates and forks you already need). If you like the poppers, do them as the app.

I'd do pizza, poppers, chips with double dip, fresh veg tray, and cut watermelon and call it a day and move to dessert - more than enough food for everyone.

For the 2nd party, I'd skip the nachos. I'd do the pizza, hot dogs on a stick, marshmallows on a stick (with hershey's chocolate and graham crackers), and roasted bananas on a stick (using the same toppings as the marshmallows)...https://tashamillergriffith.com/201...anas-heres-to-savoring-summer-while-it-lasts/. I'd also buy these for the roasting - each kid would have enough to have 1 for a hot dog, 1 for a marshmallow, and 1 for a banana - https://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-...rd_wg=bbnu4&psc=1&refRID=JYWWDCDMRG4XFRSKRFWK. I'd also set up some warm apple cider with fun toppings to swirl in (thus, having 2 fruit options to make this not a total junk fest)...

 

[mjkacmom]

I've never had Sams Club pizza, but Costco pizza slices are huge, I can't imagine eating more than one slice (unfortunately my kids hate it). How will you cook them all?

 

[Malibustyle23]

Some people will eat more some will eat less but I account for two slices of pizza per person. It all events out in the end.

Add some of the big bags of chips from Sam's in a variety to the friends party. I assume there will be cake?

You roast marshmallows on sticks. They sell specifics ones at most stores Wal-Mart, hardware, grocery, etc.

 

[mustinjourney]

I would imagine that cooking that many pizzas in a short span would be a little difficult...or were you going to get the costco pizzas where they are takeout?

 

[dreamin_disney]

Assuming 8 slices/pizza and 3 slices/person, I'd go with 17 pizzas for the 1st party.
I wouldn't bother with a cheese ball - there will be cheese overload with the pizza. I'd do the spinach dip and the cheese for the tortilla chips and put the chip between both dips. I wouldn't bother with the soup - that will be a pain to serve (needing heat proof bowls/cups + spoons on top of the plates and forks you already need). If you like the poppers, do them as the app.

I'd do pizza, poppers, chips with double dip, fresh veg tray, and cut watermelon and call it a day and move to dessert - more than enough food for everyone.

For the 2nd party, I'd skip the nachos. I'd do the pizza, hot dogs on a stick, marshmallows on a stick (with hershey's chocolate and graham crackers), and roasted bananas on a stick (using the same toppings as the marshmallows)...https://tashamillergriffith.com/201...anas-heres-to-savoring-summer-while-it-lasts/. I'd also buy these for the roasting - each kid would have enough to have 1 for a hot dog, 1 for a marshmallow, and 1 for a banana - https://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-...rd_wg=bbnu4&psc=1&refRID=JYWWDCDMRG4XFRSKRFWK. I'd also set up some warm apple cider with fun toppings to swirl in (thus, having 2 fruit options to make this not a total junk fest)...

Costco pizza are big. I think each pizza has 12 slices. Roasted bananas sounds interesting

 

[TwoMisfits]

Costco pizza are big. I think each pizza has 12 slices. Roasted bananas sounds interesting

Okay, if they have 12 slices, then I'd change it to 11 pizzas. I'd always rather have an extra pizza or two than run out...and I've seen men/boys eat (if it's mostly women, you could probably drop an extra pie or 2)...

 

[Hikergirl]

If I was doing those parties, for the family one, I would add some deli meats and hard boiled eggs to the offerings. That way if people don't want pizza there is another option as a meal, they can make a chef's salad and have the soup with it.
I'd skip the cheese ball, but I would do the spinach dip, and maybe a queso one too.
I'm not sure how big the pizzas from those places are, maybe give them a call with the number of guests and they can help you figure out how many you would need. The nice thing about pizza is that leftovers are great!

For the teen one, I'd just add bowls of chips to the menu you already have.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I've never had Sams Club pizza, but Costco pizza slices are huge, I can't imagine eating more than one slice (unfortunately my kids hate it). How will you cook them all?

Sam's and Costco you can order pizzas cooked and ready to go. Pizzas are 8.99 or 9.99 for pepperoni, combo, meat or cheese

Some people will eat more some will eat less but I account for two slices of pizza per person. It all events out in the end.

Add some of the big bags of chips from Sam's in a variety to the friends party. I assume there will be cake?

You roast marshmallows on sticks. They sell specifics ones at most stores Wal-Mart, hardware, grocery, etc.

Yes, there will be cake

The sticks are the sticks big? wood or metal?

 

[Vijoge]

The sticks are the sticks big? wood or metal?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bamboo-Marshmallow-Sticks-Set-of-144/48804026

 

[dreamin_disney]

If I was doing those parties, for the family one, I would add some deli meats and hard boiled eggs to the offerings. That way if people don't want pizza there is another option as a meal, they can make a chef's salad and have the soup with it.
I'd skip the cheese ball, but I would do the spinach dip, and maybe a queso one too.
I'm not sure how big the pizzas from those places are, maybe give them a call with the number of guests and they can help you figure out how many you would need. The nice thing about pizza is that leftovers are great!

For the teen one, I'd just add bowls of chips to the menu you already have.

Everyone coming likes pizza. I think I'll stick to spinach dip and chips and dip instead of the cheese ball

 

[dreamin_disney]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bamboo-Marshmallow-Sticks-Set-of-144/48804026

Thank you. I was picturing the camping metal ones you see in movies-lol! If I do Hot dogs will these wood ones work or do I need the metal ones?

 

[TwoMisfits]

Thank you. I was picturing the camping metal ones you see in movies-lol! If I do Hot dogs will these wood ones work or do I need the metal ones?

The ones I posted above are longer and thicker...for an extra $2, you'd probably prefer them (32 vs 36 inches isn't a big difference, but near a fire, every little bit helps)...and these will work with hot dogs...

I'l repost if you missed the link the 1st time...https://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-...refRID=JYWWDCDMRG4XFRSKRFWK&tag=vglnk-c911-20

 

[Malibustyle23]

Don't use metal sticks for marshmallows the metal heats up and the marshmallows slips off of them. It's a pain in the behind.

 

[dreamin_disney]

The ones I posted above are longer and thicker...for an extra $2, you'd probably prefer them (32 vs 36 inches isn't a big difference, but near a fire, every little bit helps)...and these will work with hot dogs...

I'l repost if you missed the link the 1st time...https://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-...refRID=JYWWDCDMRG4XFRSKRFWK&tag=vglnk-c911-20

Thank you! I will get the sticks. We got our fire pit last year and never us it. I hope to use it more often so I will make sure to have some sticks on hand

Don't use metal sticks for marshmallows the metal heats up and the marshmallows slips off of them. It's a pain in the behind.

Thank you for that tip. I'm 44 years old and sad to say I've never roasted anything over a fire pit.

Anyone know if Sam's or Costco sell large marshmallows or where is the best place grocery store, wal-mart, Target, Aldi's ?
Hersey's candy bars right...or anyone use other type of chocolate?

 

[TwoMisfits]

Thank you! I will get the sticks. We got our fire pit last year and never us it. I hope to use it more often so I will make sure to have some sticks on hand

Thank you for that tip. I'm 44 years old and sad to say I've never roasted anything over a fire pit.

Anyone know if Sam's or Costco sell large marshmallows or where is the best place grocery store, wal-mart, Target, Aldi's ?
Hersey's candy bars right...or anyone use other type of chocolate?

I'd use regular size marshmallows - large ones have a tendency to burn on the outside before being melty/gooey on the inside...

They sell nice 2 graham cracker packs - I'd look for them. I'd also buy the snack size Hershey bars - they are the perfect size if you use the smaller graham cracker and the regular size marshmallow.

 

[Malibustyle23]

I like the Hershey bars. My husband uses reeses cups for smores. Anything will work it's just your preference.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I'd use regular size marshmallows - large ones have a tendency to burn on the outside before being melty/gooey on the inside...

They sell nice 2 graham cracker packs - I'd look for them. I'd also buy the snack size Hershey bars - they are the perfect size if you use the smaller graham cracker and the regular size marshmallow.

Thank you. All this info is really helpful.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I got a two messages earlier the RSVP Guest number is now up to 53.

 

[LovesTimone]

For the teen party... One year when DD turned 16 we had a pool party.... started out with 15 friends the next thing we knew there were 40+ kids in my back yard, swimming, playing volley ball and hanging out.. We were doing hamburger and hot dogs... Thank goodness I had 2 extra sleeves of frozen hamburger from Sam's in the freezer, plus box of hotdogs... I had to run to get enough buns, some extra chips & dip, and ice cream.... we have a drink frig so I was good on that... But just be prepared for some extra kids,, who just might stop by...Kids this age don't like to commit so just giving you a heads up.

We have used lots of different candy bars, regular size, snack or bite size for roasting...I like anything with caramel, DH wants the original Heresy's, DD loves Reese's cups, SIL like the ones with mint, (like they give you at Olive Garden). One new years we had some left over candy from Christmas so we used it.. we also have used the cinnamon and honey graham crackers. As far as the sticks I would get double the amount you think you will need.

I would do either hotdogs or pizza not both.... You could grill the hotdogs, and set up a station for the toppings, put out some huge bowls of chips - dip, salsa, guacamole, cheese .. I stick to plain chips, Doritos, Tostitos, the scoops or little bowls looking ones. Make sure to set up a trash can out side in plain view makes clean up much easier....

On the family party... I have a friend that manages pizza hut, and she told me that if you have a big order on pizza that they have special pricing like more for events and delivery so you don't have to go get it.... but you need to call and set up ahead of time so they can prepare early and proof the dough and so forth and order correctly... I would shop around on the pizza pricing.. just a suggestion..

Happy birthday to your DD...