Cheap Caterng Ideas - Update Post 22 - caterer hired?!?!

[Disney Doll]

It will cost more than $100 to throw this party, regardless of how cheaply you try to do it.

Dessert for 100 people is going to cost more than $100...that's only $1.00/person....where do you get a dessert that's $1.00, unless you just buy a bunch of ice cream???? But even still, you need a lot of ice cream to feed 100 people!

If you feel you want to honor this aunt by chipping in your own time and money, then I would do the pulled pork, baked beans, rolls, chips, lemonade/punch idea that many have suggested. My guess is with that menu plus purchasing the paper goods, you will spend about $300. No alcohol....too expensive.

If you don't feel you want to chip in monetarily for this event, call a family meeting with the cousins, tell them to bring cash to give you to do the party or you will be cancelling the party in their name...disykat gave you a good wording for that scenario in her post above.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I did have a family meeting with my cousins last night. After saying that I would cancel a miracle happened (after a long fight) ....

We now have a Taco Guy coming (very common in SoCal) who will supply tacos, rice, beans, salsas, paper products, utensils, and serving tables. The tacos will be made fresh on site.

I have no idea where they got the estimated $650 for this guy ($6.50 per person). I am taking my own $$ plus my uncles $100 to use to decorate and make a few extras. I know some of the kids will not like tacos (like my dd) so I will have a couple of kid friendly options too.

My one cousin, who previously refused to donate funds, is now making favors for everyone that attends - with Sees candy no less.

My cousins are very good family people but they have no sense. I think they were testing me to see if would I pay for the whole thing.

Amazingly enough -- there is still no budget for a house cleaner for the day after the party. I also put down the law there -- no cousin would be leaving until clean up was completed and no using thier kids as an excuse. The kids have other people who can watch them while we clean up. I just do not want my yard trashed and them walking away.

 

[agnes!]

I get what you're saying about the house-cleaner, but a thought just occurred to me... It's not like you're throwing a drunken kegger for strangers on Fraternity Row. I mean, these are all people who are *family* and *friends*, they should be able to restrain from throwing trash all over the place...right?

I would corral the kids and give them a job, a very important job...they can be your "Yard Patrol" and make sure everyone puts their trash in the trash-cans and put recyclables in the bins. They'll probably like bossing the adults around a little bit and having a responsibility. Besides, what adult can resist a cute little kid saying "Cousin Joey, you need to pick all your beer-bottles up and put them in the recycling-bin" or the like. (Besides if people are real pigs, they might be a little embarrassed having a little kid telling them to "please keep it clean".) Make SURE you have BIG trash-cans (with trash-bags that actually *fit*) about every 20 feet or at least the trash-cans should be *visible* from all-over the yard. If partygoers have to ask "Where should I put this trash?" you're already behind and setting yourself up for a looooooong de-trashing session.
Also, tell the little cousins, that another of their jobs is to tell their parents when the trash-cans are full (and then the parents will have the fun job of getting trash bagged-up and putting fresh bags in the cans), so you don't end up with heaps of garbage helpfully mounded around overflowing cans.

Sounds like things are moving along, hope everyone has a great time.

agnes!
PS - A pinata would fit perfectly with the menu.

 

[chell]

Sorry there was a fight but glad to hear they saw things your way and agreed to hire someone to make the food.

The one making the favors with See's candy - wow! Tell her to send me any that are left over.

I hope everything goes smoothly and stress-free for you.

 

[clh2]

I did have a family meeting with my cousins last night. After saying that I would cancel a miracle happened (after a long fight) ....

Perfect!!! I love your clean-up situation. I think you handled this perfectly!

I hope are able to enjoy the party!!!

 

[manning]

I think they were testing me to see if would I pay for the whole thing.

.

You are a very smart person.

Now if they could just all get together and give their parents the ideal present.....move out!!

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

You are a very smart person.

Now if they could just all get together and give their parents the ideal present.....move out!!