Post by browneyedhunni85 on Mar 8, 2015 11:41:16 GMT -5
A few hundred. I haven't added everything up yet but we are having it at an bounce place this year. The extra money is definitely worth me not having to work my ass off getting my house ready. I'm also saving money on favors this year since we are paying per kid to play. I'm doing simple favors (bubbles, chalk and a treat).
what are you all cooking? Like salads and sandwich platters or like lasagnas and baked pastas?
We did salads and hamburgers, etc one year and it still was expensive.
Elias 2nd party I got everything from Costco and it was probably within 100, maybe a little more including beer. I did crossaint sandwiches, antipasto skewers with balsamic glaze, spinach and cheese tortellini skewers with a basil pesto dip, cucumber tomato feta salad and a mixed green berry salad. It was all really easy to put most of it together the night before, and we had a lots of food left, probably had around 30 people come. Elias' first party I did hotdogs in a crockpot, tea sandwiches-ham and cheddar/turkey and Swiss, and lots of dips with chips, pita chips, and veggie and fruit tray. The girls 1st birthday I did a nacho bar. Very easy and cheap! I had shredded chicken and ground beef and the nacho cheese all in crock pots with all the extra add ons in bowls. I think Elias' party I'm just going to get the Costco pizzas and make a few large Caesar salads. And have other little snacks for the kids
For parties i pick up most of what I need at Costco and then the other things at winco. I would say 100 dollars for the food but that's not including drinks. So that would probably be about 50 more. Total party cost is probably 300ish, the girls was more expensive because I rented the bounce house and snow cone machine.
Our menu was: A huge chicken finger platter Turkey and cheddar pinwheel platter Italian meats pinwheel platter Pork tenderloin sliders on Hawaiian buns Macaroni and cheese Ceasar tortellini and romaine salad Fruit salad Veggie platter Chips and spinach dip Cake
* the pork was a huge hit. Jeff brined it in a water, salt, and brown sugar mix over night. Then I made a pate of olive oil, black pepper, season salt, and garlic salt for the outside. He grilled it and I sliced it all up and premade the sliders.
We just do family parties and my family is really close so all my aunts and cousins will make something. We usually do it at my moms house just bc the location is central. I think last year we did burgers and hot dogs my stepdad just grilled during the party. I know for her 1st bday we did a huge grilled chicken Caesar salad for the main dish. Last year we got an ice cream cake from coldstone bc my mom had a gift card. I got some decorations and stuff but we probably spent less than 100 last year. I don't think we will start parties with friends for a couple more years at least.
Our menu was: A huge chicken finger platter Turkey and cheddar pinwheel platter Italian meats pinwheel platter Pork tenderloin sliders on Hawaiian buns Macaroni and cheese Ceasar tortellini and romaine salad Fruit salad Veggie platter Chips and spinach dip Cake
* the pork was a huge hit. Jeff brined it in a water, salt, and brown sugar mix over night. Then I made a pate of olive oil, black pepper, season salt, and garlic salt for the outside. He grilled it and I sliced it all up and premade the sliders.
Grill to order if it's outside or a grill nearby, you can cover with foil to keep warm. I have know people to crockpot hot dogs but idk if I recommend it.
Jeff's grandma always makes "stadium dogs" for the kids when we have a big family gathering. She boils the dogs, puts them in the buns, and then wraps each one in tinfoil and throws them in the oven or a cooler. The buns are super steamy and delicious!
This actually sounds MORE delicious than normal hotdogs, but I love a good steamed dog.
My poor 2nd child has not had a party yet in his short life. We are managing to avoid it this year as well because we will be away over the Easter weekend. He will have cake and presents with just us.
DS1 party last year for his 5th birthday cost about $800 for 18 friends at a play place, plus coffee tab and platters for the parents who stayed. Probably similar this year.
We also have had family parties for him which probably cost about $500 each time. I have a big family and when we host it's a lot of food and booze involved. There's no way around it.
Next year for sure we are on the hook for DS2 to have a party.