DH got laid off, now 6 family members coming to visit!

[At World's End]

My sister is coming to visit with my niece, nieces' DH, and their 3 boys (age 1, 3 and 12). The problem is they arrive the week after DH's last day of work. How am I going to feed all of these people for a week, when we are trying so hard to make DH's last paycheck stretch? I'm thrilled that they are coming to visit, but wish the timing was different. I usually love to entertain and cater to my guests, but I really need some ideas for ways to do this on a serious budget.

 

[VAN]

First of all, I'd be honest with your sister...let her know that you are still open to have her visit, but with your DH being let go, the food budget and extra money for entertainment will be tight.

If she still wants to come, then break out the cereal, mac-n-cheese, pasta, and hotdogs. Check out area attractions that are free.

I know that when I visit my sister, I try to be a good guest by treating sis and her family to dinner and/or go along to the grocery store with her and contribute toward her purchases. I will also bring and/or buy wine, etc.

Just be honest with her upfront. Not sure how your visits go, but if she and her family want to do some things without you, let her know that it will be okay as you are watching your pennies.

If for some reason, this is NOT okay with her, then she can change her plans and or shorten the time they spend with you.

Listen - in this economy, you are not alone. You need to do what is right for you and your family and not worry what others will think. You should, definitely, speak with her ASAP to let her know what the situation is, though, so she can adjust her expectations, and/or visit.

 

[apnep]

I'm sorry to hear about your DH's job.

Breakfast is pretty cheap, eggs and potatoes and maybe some fruit?

For dinner, do things that stretch like lasagna, or some other kind of pasta. Sub sandwiches are also pretty easy and inexpensive to do, you can make those for lunch. Ground turkey is pretty inexpensive and works well in the lasagna and spaghetti, and I also use it in taco salads... Quiche is also an inexpensive dinner item I do and serve with a salad. Hope that helps!

Good luck!

 

[sydneysmom]

turkeys and hams are on sale now for Easter... you could get one of each. They would go very far....just get some bread / rolls...let everyone make sandwiches. Maybe make a big container of potato salad and macaroni salad...both are inexpensive to make. Egg salad is inexpensive to make as well.

We also like "breakfast for dinner" sometimes...and it's cheap ! you could do pancakes, scrambled eggs, home fries. (don't buy the home fries, make your own...it's much cheaper and tastes better) you could grill some of the ham slices (from above idea)....see, you're utilizing everything !

For dinners, you could make a couple of pans of baked ziti. That's very inexpensive to make...parter w/ garlic bread, voila.

For breakfasts, maybe get the big bags of cereals, it's more economical than the expensive cereal. or try to partner coupons w/ a cereal sale.

Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill (with potato salad and macaroni salad from above idea) are also economical. You could do hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls for the kids.... and a "build your own hamburger" station for the big kids.

Good luck...just remember, have fun.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

I agree with the PP...you need to talk to your sister ASAP! Just because they're coming to visit doesn't mean that you should have to go broke!!

I have family visit often and can end up feeding 20 people for 2 weeks! Meals I fix that don't cost a fortune to feed alot...

spaghetti or baked ziti
tacos
sloppy joes
bbq chicken skewers
chicken pot pie
hot dogs
english muffin pizzas or pizza bagels
baked potato bar
pulled pork sandwiches
subs
chicken and noodles


I try and stock up on meats,etc while they're on sale. Breakfast is cereal,fruit, maybe homemade cinn. rolls. Lunch is lunchmeat sandwiches, pb&j, grilled cheese,etc. If they want something different..they're more than welcome to go buy it!

 

[NotUrsula]

I'd tell her the truth; that you would still love to have them, but that feeding them is going to be a hardship, so could they please bring some groceries.

I always go out and get a full load of groceries when we visit my sister; it's the least I can do in return for her hospitality.

 

[scrapquitler]

My sister is coming to visit with my niece, nieces' DH, and their 3 boys (age 1, 3 and 12). The problem is they arrive the week after DH's last day of work. How am I going to feed all of these people for a week, when we are trying so hard to make DH's last paycheck stretch? I'm thrilled that they are coming to visit, but wish the timing was different. I usually love to entertain and cater to my guests, but I really need some ideas for ways to do this on a serious budget.

You say "Dh just got laid off, can you help pay for some of the groceries this week?" Honest and to the point. I would not dream of bringing six people to stay at someones house for a week for free and not offer to pay for groceries, give a gift card for the grocery store, etc. I'd figure that there's no free lunch and trying to stay and eat for free for a week would be rude.

 

[leight]

I'm sorry to hear about your DH's job.

OP, let your sister know the situation. Explain you'd love to see them and that they are welcome, but that you just aren't able to entertain in the same manner as you're used to. Hopefully she will step up and offer to chip in for some of the costs of food and entertainment for her family. I like the idea of looking for low cost entertainment in your area- free movies, local outings. Good luck.

 

[angierae]

What everyoen else has said. Talk to your sister and tell her that there's no way you can feed them all for a week, although you'd love for them to visit, so could she go shopping with you and help you come up with some meal ideas to feed everyone.

There's no way I'd show up to someone's house for a week and expect them to feed me and my family.

 

[StitchBuddy]

I agree just be honest. It sounds like you are excited about them coming, so I am guessing you have a good relationship. I bet she will even offer when she finds out what has happened.

 

[Cynt]

My sister is coming to visit with my niece, nieces' DH, and their 3 boys (age 1, 3 and 12). The problem is they arrive the week after DH's last day of work. How am I going to feed all of these people for a week, when we are trying so hard to make DH's last paycheck stretch? I'm thrilled that they are coming to visit, but wish the timing was different. I usually love to entertain and cater to my guests, but I really need some ideas for ways to do this on a serious budget.

You're not going to feed them. Like pp be honest and upfront. I know this might sound rude but if she gets an attitude offer to find her and her family a hotel near by. That way you won't be expected to cook. She can pay for her room as well as pay for her families meals. I guess I went there because from the tone in your post it sounds like they come often and EXPECT for you to take care of everything. Hopefully I'm wrong.

 

[At World's End]

Thank you for all the suggesstions.

I should say that my sister knows about DH's job. The trip was planned before the lay off notice, and they are all coming up to visit my mom, who is in bad health. Mom lives with us, and is paying their expenses to drive up here. It will be the first time my sister has been here since we moved here 5 years ago, and probably the last time she will see our mom. My niece is pregnant, and her DH was just laid off also. My sister is on disability. I really don't feel like I can ask them to pay for food. For the time being, we are in a better position financially than they are. I just want to be able to serve them decent food without blowing our whole month's grocery budget on a week.

I really appreciate everyone's menu suggesstions.

 

[manning]

"Decent food" doesnt have to be expensive. I should know, the "Bohemian stretch" has been practiced in our house many times.

 

[scrapquitler]

I really don't feel like I can ask them to pay for food.

If they weren't visiting you, they'd be paying for their own food at home.

 

[Nancyg56]

Casseroles. You can make one pan dishes that can be stretched out to feed a crowd.

Check to see where chicken is on sale. My family prefers dark meat so I am always lucky but chicken legs go a long way and sides can be added that are not expensive. Rice can be flavored and is good, add some carrots and you have a nice dinner.

Lazy man stuffed cabbage is a good dish that can feed a crowd for a reasonable price.

Cake mixes are usually on sale and one box will go for a day or two of dessert.

Make French toast or pancakes for breakfast....comfort food and not expensive.

Chili....you can add a lot of vegetables and some beans, a box of jiffy corn bread mix and this can go a ways.

 

[eyor44]

I'm very sorry about DH's job.

When we go to visit family, we never worry about what we are going to eat, we are just happy to be there. Simple meals that were listed above sound wonderful. I understand wanting to have plenty of options and make nice meals, but sounds like they will understand and just be happy to be there.

Have a great visit with your sister and family.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

If they weren't visiting you, they'd be paying for their own food at home.

I was thinking the same thing.....

 

[a1tinkfans]

First of all, I'd be honest with your sister...let her know that you are still open to have her visit, but with your DH being let go, the food budget and extra money for entertainment will be tight.

If she still wants to come, then break out the cereal, mac-n-cheese, pasta, and hotdogs. Check out area attractions that are free.

I know that when I visit my sister, I try to be a good guest by treating sis and her family to dinner and/or go along to the grocery store with her and contribute toward her purchases. I will also bring and/or buy wine, etc.

Just be honest with her upfront. Not sure how your visits go, but if she and her family want to do some things without you, let her know that it will be okay as you are watching your pennies.

If for some reason, this is NOT okay with her, then she can change her plans and or shorten the time they spend with you.

Listen - in this economy, you are not alone. You need to do what is right for you and your family and not worry what others will think. You should, definitely, speak with her ASAP to let her know what the situation is, though, so she can adjust her expectations, and/or visit.

I m sorry about your dh losing his job. I hope that he gets a new one soon, and it is even better for your family!

 

[momxx5]

When we visited my sis or mom, one of our first stops is at the grocery store to shop for food for the week.....cold cuts, rolls, breakfast food, drinks.....lots of drinks. There is no way I'd expect her small family of 3 to feed our family of 7 all week.

Prayers for you and your DH. Job loss is all to familiar here.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I am so sorry about your DH's job and your mother's health.

I would talk with your sister about planning the menu, she has 3 kids and from what you said is on a tight budget- she might have some good ideas.

Since there are a bunch of kids I would do a homemade pizza night. They might get a kick out of helping with the toppings, etc... Use left overs for toppings (i.e. if you have ham, make a hawaiian pizza)

Spring is here- hot dogs on the grill and corn on the cob. Around here the stores are starting to get in corn from FL and it is pretty good!