party help!!!

[gabbysmom04]

I am trying to plan a party for my DD we plan on having about 100 people. I know thats a ton of people! Anyway, I need advice on how much food to buy. We plan on doing a BBQ with hot dogs and hamburgers. We will also have different salads and chips and soda. I just don't know how much of each thing I should get. My DH and I were planning on two hamburgers and hot dogs per person. ( most are adults) Does that sound right? Please help I am going crazy!

 

[rt2dz]

Not everybody will eat two. And certainly not two of both. To be on the same side, I'd do about 40 of each. And buy the pre-done burger patties from Sam's or Costco; You might be able to find them at Walmart or the grocery store also, but not as at a good of a deal.

I'm an event planner, so feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I'm not "on" as frequently right now, so it may take a couple of days...

 

[gabbysmom04]

40 of each that would give me 80 hamburgers and hot dogs total. That would be 20 less then the amount of people we are having at the party. How would that work

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I would could on at least 200 total. More hamburgers than hot dogs. Age makes a big difference. Teen-age boys can put away alot of food!!!!!!! Elderly people tend to eat a lot less. Have more than you need and grill from the frozen state and any thing you do not need can stay frozen for the next party. Have more drinks than you think you will need too!!

Have a blast. We enjoy large cook-outs.

 

[MickeyP]

I, too, am an event planner and 80 is not enough. Is the party going on all night? Plan on 2 of ea. per person and you will be set with leftovers. Leftovers are such a nice bonus. What's the event? Birthday? Do you have a theme? Do you need creative ideas for that one of a kind cake that they'll be talking about for years to come?

 

[Gillian]

That sounds like fun!!

Issues we have had with large cookouts are:
-grill space to cook for that many people
-how to serve a lot of people at the same time
-who will cook? It's time consuming!

Have a great party!

 

[gabbysmom04]

Mickeyp, I think that 2 of each is a good number too! It is a birthday party for my 2yr DD. The theme is jojo's circus!!! My sister inlaw is making the cake but I would love some ideas if you have them. Gillian, We are planning on renting a large grill, I was also thinking we could cook a bunch of burgers in the morning then reheating them. My DH will do most of the BBQ stuff but I am sure some of the other men will help. I plan on buying all the salads and snacks that are already made. The tricky thing is that we are in WDW till a week before the party then our DS has surgery two days later! So wish me luck!

 

[Desnik]

I have had too many parties than I care to admit!!LOL I also owned a children's party facility. For my husbands 30th Bday we did a cookout like you are planning. We had aprox 60 people. I would say to have 2 each of hot dogs and hamburgers per person is perfect! Don't forget salads will help fill people up too! We had a large pasta salad, tossed salad, fruit salad. I would also recommend 2 grills. Also I would in no way cook them in the morning and then reheat them. They will be like rubber! I'm sure you will have 1 or 2 people that would love helping with the grill! Another thing I have learned is to buy bottled drinks, no cans. People always open a can, drink some and leave the rest! Too much wasted. Also make sure you buy bottled water and a couple of drink boxes for the kids. Try to go to Sam's club, or Costco. They have all the ready made salads, also rolls and meats in bulk. Much cheaper this way.

I recently received a catalog from a place that has great circus/JoJo's circus theme things. It's called shindigz. The website is www.shindigz.com
Also, Oriental trading company has some cute carnival type things.

If you need any help let me know, I love party planning!!

Also wanted to add that for the salads if you will have them outside on a table so people can serve themselves, use the cover they come with, usually plastic and deep and put some ice in it and place the tray/bowl onto it to keep the salad cold. Also buy some of those net covers for food like in this link:
http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-~Picnic+Food+Covers?ost=picnic+food+cover&sourceid=16

 

[rt2dz]

40 of each that would give me 80 hamburgers and hot dogs total. That would be 20 less then the amount of people we are having at the party. How would that work

Sorry, when I responded I somehow was thinking 50 people--the number sticking in my head was 100 of each type of food. Yeah, that wouldn't work. I guess I'd say 80 each then giving you 160.

I stand by the fact that you are NOT going to want 200 hotdogs and 200 hamburgers--that's 400 and I'd put money on that even with leftovers that are eaten, you'll be throwing away at least 100. I do these types of parties all the time; some won't eat at all (dieting, not liking the food choice) and many will only have one, especially when there are side dishes.

 

[dougsmom98]

Any time I have done a big party, I figure 1.5 of everything for everone. So, if you have 100 people, plan on 150 burgers and 150 hot dogs. That gives everyone one of each and some people 2 of each. There is no way I would eat 2 burgers and 2 hot dogs at a party. I am guessing most women wouldn't. You will still have some leftovers. Don't cook everything up, wait and see so that you can freeze the uncooked leftovers. Keep it cold while the party is going on. I always over buy things like chips because if all else fails there will plenty of munchies. If there are enough side dishes, people won't eat as many sandwiches. I don't think most people go to a cookout intending that they will eat 2 burger and 2 hot dogs.