shopping list for birthday party food

Bubbles17

I just wondered whether any of you could give me any advice. I am trying to compile a shopping list so that my sons birthday party doesnt turn into total overspend. Last year I bought way too much food.

Just wondered whether any of you could help me compile a list of food that i should buy to serve approx 30 (prob less will actually turn up) kids.

Any help would be really appreciated.


Also party bag gifts - any ideas??

C_J

How old is your son?

I have always decided how much food to buy, then bought half that amount. In my experience, children never eat quite as much as you think they're going to at parties

RustyFlange

Bubbles17 wrote: »

I just wondered whether any of you could give me any advice. I am trying to compile a shopping list so that my sons birthday party doesnt turn into total overspend. Last year I bought way too much food.

Just wondered whether any of you could help me compile a list of food that i should buy to serve approx 30 (prob less will actually turn up) kids.

Any help would be really appreciated.


Also party bag gifts - any ideas??

Hi Bubbles, I am struggling with party food myself, I know what I want to buy but still need to figure out how much I need to buy.

For party bags this year I am just doing these -
http://www.craftonline.co.uk/_exec/shop_enlarge.cfm?productId=5075
Which are 35p each and I will put a couple of small packs of sweets in each then handwrap in cellophane and ribbon. This makes the total cost approx 70p ish so for me this is ideal as I have between 40-50 children coming. The springs are 35p each.

cookiedough38

I find buying things in smaller packets helps prevent wasting food. I did a charity picnic a few weeks back and bought tesco value savoury snacks. I found by only having a few packets of crisps in the bowl, it could be easily topped up if getting low without putting out too much.

I dont know if this is an option for you with 30 children, but I know alot of people do the little lunch boxes now for each child, they could then take home what they didnt eat

Bubbles17

Hi, sorry forgot to say - he will be six.
I like the spring idea thats a good one - thanks.

RustyFlange

Bubbles17 wrote: »

Hi, sorry forgot to say - he will be six.
I like the spring idea thats a good one - thanks.

Snap ... mine is 6 on 16th september ... I love the springs, and so does my son and quiet a few of his friends when they have been around here so decided to keep it cheap.

coxy07

I frequently cater for large numbers of small children! The most economical way of doing this is to put an individual party bag or box of food up for each child. e.g. 2 small triangle sandwiches (cheese spread.ham) small packet of crisps,tiny sausage roll, small bun (buy the value Tesco ones & decorate), Small fromage frais & plastic spoon, carton drink. The children are happy to swap about with friends to get flavours they want. Cake shops will usually sell you the white cake boxes or you can buy party food boxes from catering suppliers or online (try ebay). This way there is little waste and everything is ready before the party starts.

boiler_man

If boxes of food work out expensive, you could always plate up the food onto individual paper plates and cover with clingfilm.

The drinks that come in clear plastic cartons with a straw that you pierce the film over the top with are also a good idea for that age group - saves spillages. I think you can buy them in boxes of about 20.

DaisyClaire

I always find sandwiches never get eaten. You could make mini pizzas using English muffins.
A bowl of strawberries and some chocolate dip (either nutella or melt chocolate with a little cream added to stop it going hard)
Drinks are normally big jugs of squash at my kids parties! Chuck in some ice and some bits of fruit!

For party bags have a look here, not used them myself but my friend did for her wedding and they have some lovely cheap bits.
www.partytoo.com

craftygranny

Hi
anyone wanting party food lunch boxes try here some fab ones and only around 35 p each fast delivery too i have bought from them in the past. http://www.bagnboxman.co.uk/catalogue/LunchBoxes.php

RustyFlange

Ouch they are quite expensive craftygranny. I have found them cheaper on ebay (from 25p ish) and also in various other shops for a similar price. Although they do some other things which are great so thanks for the link