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

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Okay - so my cousins decided to throw my Aunt a surprise party for her 65th bithday. A great idea because she is an amazing lady!

In order to keep it a surprise they asked if they could hold it my house. Two of my cousins (and thier kids) live with/off my aunt and my third cousin lives in an apartment. So really there was no other cheap/free alternative.

Now - we are a week away from the party and they have made no move on what to serve. Yet they have invited about 100 people to come to my house for this party. Ironically I have a small house but a very nice sized yard - let's hope it doesnt rain.

I know - stupid on my part. I never should have agreed to have it at my home.

The trouble comes in - they expected thier dad to chip in money for the food. He has agreed to donate $100 only.

We met on Friday but no plans were made. I suggested a hot dog/picnic theme since the budget is tight. But... it fell on deaf ears.

I know they are in over thier heads. But since these people are coming to my home I just can't have nothing available.

So do you have any cheap catering/party ideas?

 

[kangareaux]

Okay - so my cousins decided to throw my Aunt a surprise party for her 65th bithday. A great idea because she is an amazing lady!

In order to keep it a surprise they asked if they could hold it my house. Two of my cousins (and thier kids) live with/off my aunt and my third cousin lives in an apartment. So really there was no other cheap/free alternative.

Now - we are a week away from the party and they have made no move on what to serve. Yet they have invited about 100 people to come to my house for this party. Ironically I have a small house but a very nice sized yard - let's hope it doesnt rain.

I know - stupid on my part. I never should have agreed to have it at my home.

The trouble comes in - they expected thier dad to chip in money for the food. He has agreed to donate $100 only.

We met on Friday but no plans were made. I suggested a hot dog/picnic theme since the budget is tight. But... it fell on deaf ears.

I know they are in over thier heads. But since these people are coming to my home I just can't have nothing available.

So do you have any cheap catering/party ideas?

What time of day is it? Will guests be expecting a full meal or snacks?

I'd go to Sams club and get a couple boxes of the *petite quiches*. There are a ton of them in each box. (Small, but filing!) They also have mondo buckets of creme puffs for a pretty good price.

Or some huge bags of chips set out in big bowls with dip and do pigs in blankets with little smokies. (Along the hot dog theme, but a little more work. Easier to eat though so maybe less mess to clean up later. )

Of course, you'll need cake. Again....SAMS!!! I know Sam's and Wal-Mart are the same company, but Sam's cakes are SO much better. (AND decently priced!)

For drinks.....PUNCH BOWL!!!! (And small cups! I've found people drink less punch than they do soda. ) Some ice cream, cheap soda....poof....cheap punch! LOL!

Sheesh.....I'm starting to sound really cheap.......but OP DID ask for cheap ideas! LOL!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Ack, good luck with the party. 100 people on $100, I would spend five times that on beverages alone. Your cousins will hopefully come up with more funds, it shouldn't be your job to pay for their party. You are being nice enough to host it for them.

I think your picnic idea sounds really good. Salad, baked ziti and meatballs is good for a crowd but I don't know if you can do it at that price. Maybe just spaghetti and salad.

 

[agnes!]

I think you need to have a face-to-face with your cousins and Uncle about how they expect the money for this party to appear. If they're trying to do champagne things on a beer budget?... I think a hot dog picnic theme sounds very nice. You could also get in contact with everyone and they could bring side-dishes that Auntie likes, while you & the kids & their dad (btw, $100?!? - he's getting off cheap) provide meat (maybe pork BBQ and/or some spiral-sliced hams or fried chicken), drinks (iced-tea, sodas, lemonade) and some large sheet-cakes & ice-cream. I know Costco carries really nice platters of sandwiches and roll-ups, lots of things that are delicious and fairly-priced and their cakes are very good (and affordable too!) Costco will even personalize cakes with your choice of icings/filling/cake and sayings ("Happy Birthday Auntie!").

Yes, they are in over their heads and yes, you do want to honor your Aunt but you shouldn't have to put yourself in the poorhouse due to their failure to plan.

agnes!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

What time will the party be? Maybe you can do a dessert only party if it's between lunch and dinner time.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Maybe post this on the budget board, they know how to make their money go far there.

 

[agnes!]

Oh, punch is a GREAT idea! Yeah, get that frozen-punch in a pail (or even sherbet) and add ginger-ale or 7-Up to it. You also need to get some other relatives or friends involved to help serve, etc.

Btw...do you have enough seating & tables for 100+ people ?

agnes!
PS - Your Uncle & cousins should pay for any chair or table rentals or take care of that however they wish (borrow some from their church, etc.). They should set-up and take-down *everything*. It's the least they could do.

 

[MosMom]

A large picnic pork roast is cheap and once pulled into shreds feeds many pulled pork sandwiches. Get cheap bbq sauce and add a little brown sugar. Just as cheap as hot dogs because you still need buns for hot dogs and you feed so many with one large picnic roast. It isn't unusual to find picnic pork roast for .89/lb.

Pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans, and chips. Don't do soda, do iced tea and lemonade in big pitchers or dispensers.

Catering is a family business and that is one of the cheapest yet filling ways to do a bbq that feeds several people.

Italian Beef is another cheap but yummy option.

You can feed 100 people with a full sheet cake. Probably around $40 at the grocery store or Costco/Sams.

The cousins might have to cough up a little extra dough but you could do it pretty much within budget.

 

[donald&daisy]

I agree with Mos Mom. BBQ and chips can be very economical.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

What time of day is it? Will guests be expecting a full meal or snacks?

I'd go to Sams club and get a couple boxes of the *petite quiches*. There are a ton of them in each box. (Small, but filing!) They also have mondo buckets of creme puffs for a pretty good price.

Or some huge bags of chips set out in big bowls with dip and do pigs in blankets with little smokies. (Along the hot dog theme, but a little more work. Easier to eat though so maybe less mess to clean up later. )

Of course, you'll need cake. Again....SAMS!!! I know Sam's and Wal-Mart are the same company, but Sam's cakes are SO much better. (AND decently priced!)

For drinks.....PUNCH BOWL!!!! (And small cups! I've found people drink less punch than they do soda. ) Some ice cream, cheap soda....poof....cheap punch! LOL!

Sheesh.....I'm starting to sound really cheap.......but OP DID ask for cheap ideas! LOL!

Thanks! I hadn't thought of going to Sams. Just dd and I live togther so I never think of those kinds of stores.

Punch - excellent idea!

Ack, good luck with the party. 100 people on $100, I would spend five times that on beverages alone. Your cousins will hopefully come up with more funds, it shouldn't be your job to pay for their party. You are being nice enough to host it for them.

I think your picnic idea sounds really good. Salad, baked ziti and meatballs is good for a crowd but I don't know if you can do it at that price. Maybe just spaghetti and salad.

Sorry if I was unclear - $100 is all my uncle can pitch in. He and my aunt support two of my cousins (completely even though they work and should have more money to chip in) and thier kids. My uncle is awesoe but is tight fisted. I don't blame him - he is trying to find a third job to keep the family afloat. The killer is both him and my Aunt make a very good living and if they did not enable thier kids they would be very well off.

I am hitting my cousins up for money but... I am not sure how much they will chip in.

I think you need to have a face-to-face with your cousins and Uncle about how they expect the money for this party to appear. If they're trying to do champagne things on a beer budget?... I think a hot dog picnic theme sounds very nice. You could also get in contact with everyone and they could bring side-dishes that Auntie likes, while you & the kids & their dad (btw, $100?!? - he's getting off cheap) provide meat (maybe pork BBQ and/or some spiral-sliced hams or fried chicken), drinks (iced-tea, sodas, lemonade) and some large sheet-cakes & ice-cream. I know Costco carries really nice platters of sandwiches and roll-ups, lots of things that are delicious and fairly-priced and their cakes are very good (and affordable too!) Costco will even personalize cakes with your choice of icings/filling/cake and sayings ("Happy Birthday Auntie!").

Yes, they are in over their heads and yes, you do want to honor your Aunt but you shouldn't have to put yourself in the poorhouse due to their failure to plan.

agnes!

You are so right!! I have called a meeting for Monday night.

What time will the party be? Maybe you can do a dessert only party if it's between lunch and dinner time.

The party is to be at 3pm. I think my Aunt is supposed to get there around 3:30.

Dessert only is a great option.

Maybe post this on the budget board, they know how to make their money go far there.

Will do, thanks for the suggestion.

Oh, punch is a GREAT idea! Yeah, get that frozen-punch in a pail (or even sherbet) and add ginger-ale or 7-Up to it. You also need to get some other relatives or friends involved to help serve, etc.

Btw...do you have enough seating & tables for 100+ people ?

agnes!
PS - Your Uncle & cousins should pay for any chair or table rentals or take care of that however they wish (borrow some from their church, etc.). They should set-up and take-down *everything*. It's the least they could do.

No I don't have seating for 100 people. But my office does, I work with my Aunt, and they are willing to let me borrow them. As for set up - that is no problem. Clean up -- not so sure on that. When I agreed to have this at my house I said that having a housecleaner come the monday after was my only requirment and had to be a part of the overall budget. Well guess what was the first thing to get cut?!?!

A large picnic pork roast is cheap and once pulled into shreds feeds many pulled pork sandwiches. Get cheap bbq sauce and add a little brown sugar. Just as cheap as hot dogs because you still need buns for hot dogs and you feed so many with one large picnic roast. It isn't unusual to find picnic pork roast for .89/lb.

Pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans, and chips. Don't do soda, do iced tea and lemonade in big pitchers or dispensers.

Catering is a family business and that is one of the cheapest yet filling ways to do a bbq that feeds several people.

Thanks for the tips!!!

 

[manning]

Any COSTCO or Sam's club you a member of?

I get a honey baked (Costco brand) for a good price. Anyone have a good baked bean recipe? And potato salad (homemade)?

Find out how much fried chicken cost.

 

[DonnaL]

I've only had a few parties with 100 people, but, I can certainly tell you the budget was way over $100.........and I didn't serve steak/lobster!!! I made meatballs/rigatoni with sauce and had a few other buffet items catered....nothing fancy.... chicken strips, a few types of salads and rolls. I would say the food portion of the budget was close to or a little over $700......my whole cost was about $1400.......but, that included drinks, plates, utensils, napkins, a rental tent and tables/chairs. So, I would say you're in big trouble planning a party for that many people with $100........maybe just cake/coffee/punch......a large sheet cake is close to $100 in my area.

 

[chell]

You've got some great ideas here. If you aren't a Sam's Club member see if a friend will take you and let you use their membership. If you happen to be in Western NC I could meet you and let you use my membership. Heck if you are near me I'd even help you cook.

I hope the cousins pitch in to help you out!

 

[Minnie]

The party is to be at 3pm. I think my Aunt is supposed to get there around 3:30.

Dessert only is a great option.

For a 3pm party you could definitely do just dessert. Much less work on money for all involved

 

[disykat]

If it were me I'd cancel the party and take my aunt out to a nice lunch.

Agreeing to take over by default is just another way of enabling those cousins IMO.

It would be unfortunate but I'd do it. I'd be very clear that "regrettably x and x have have to cancel the party for x that was to be held at Tinkerbell's Mom's house."

What are they going to make you or aunt/uncle do next? Where does it end?

At the meeting I'd ask what their plans are and let them know you are only providing the location but will cancel that offer unless they have a firm plan and are providing everything. If they decide to step up you can give them some of the wonderful ideas people have given here.

I also think dessert only makes sense because they might just be able to swing it. However, I've learned on the DIS that cake and punch only are considered unacceptable by many people.

 

[agnes!]

Oooooo, yes a dessert party! Brilliant! You could even have some kids' games, like pin-the-tail-on [your Aunt's favorite sports team's mascot or something similar] or maybe a pinata, with the birthday girl taking the first few whacks.

Oh, you could also think about each person maybe bringing a dozen of their favorite cookies if your Aunt's crowd likes/expects pot-lucks. (Yeah, I know some areas of the US don't do pot-lucks but some groups expect it.)

For a present for your Aunt people can either do this beforehand or just do it at the party...
Type up a sheet that says something like:
My favorite memory of Auntie is or The world according to Auntie or my favorite story about Auntie growing up or...you get the idea. Either e-mail them to folks to fill out before they come or distribute then at the party.
If you do it at the party have a box or two of pens available. Partygoers can write a few sentences on their sheet or a page, whatever they want. Then your cousins can put it all together into a memory-book along with whatever photos are taken of the party. My nephew and his wife did something like this for their wedding and it was really neat.

Maybe if someone has a karaoke machine, that can be fun to do and watch - make sure you get video of folks' performances too.

OP, you're a generous person. I'm sure the party will be wonderful.
agnes!

 

[lizziepooh]

Good luck. I'll bet that paper products for a meal for 100 people will run $30 or more. I would just do dessert and punch or lemonade.

 

[manning]

Got time to make pizza? This thread has a couple of recipee that you may like.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2300257

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Okay - so my cousins decided to throw my Aunt a surprise party for her 65th bithday. A great idea because she is an amazing lady!

In order to keep it a surprise they asked if they could hold it my house. Two of my cousins (and thier kids) live with/off my aunt and my third cousin lives in an apartment. So really there was no other cheap/free alternative.

Now - we are a week away from the party and they have made no move on what to serve. Yet they have invited about 100 people to come to my house for this party. Ironically I have a small house but a very nice sized yard - let's hope it doesnt rain.

I know - stupid on my part. I never should have agreed to have it at my home.

The trouble comes in - they expected thier dad to chip in money for the food. He has agreed to donate $100 only.

We met on Friday but no plans were made. I suggested a hot dog/picnic theme since the budget is tight. But... it fell on deaf ears.

I know they are in over thier heads. But since these people are coming to my home I just can't have nothing available.

So do you have any cheap catering/party ideas?

I would cancel. I know it is not want you want to hear but you are looking at least $1000+ to host this.

I have hosted MANY parties and you cannot get away with a small party under $300 much less 100 people.

If you want to do dessert only, you are still looking at $300.

 

[Green Tea]

For drinks you could stick with ice tea & water or lemonade, tea and water. Put pitchers out. You can get the Countrytime powder (or store equivalent) and slice fresh lemons for garnish.

If you could smoke a pork butt as suggested, it is really good and goes a long way. A sheet cake from Costco is about $16 and serves 48. Costco also has large packages of plates, cups, napkins, etc.

If it isn't really a meal time, I think the others are right. Just put out some bowls of snacks and have drinks and a cake. I do think you could get away for the $100 with that. Some chips, 2 cakes, lemonade, some mints.

Maybe if you don't ask the deadbeat cousins for money but instead assign specific items, you might have better luck. Tell them they are responsible for plates, cups napkins and you will take care of the food.