How much per head for cold buffet Christening? Where to buy it?

twinklybev

Hello,
I'm planning a Christening for my DD & expecting around 100 guests. Can't wait but feeling bit daunted by the task!! First & foremost, does anyone have any rough idea of cost per head, at my wedding was £10 (no way can afford that) but I'm doing it ourselves & that was caterers. Thinking of doing cold buffet as no kitchen at venue & easier to prepare.

Also, please what are the best shops to go to & does anyone know if Costco food is any good in their experience (know someone with a card)? Also, any suggestions for buying a big Christening Cake tiered is fine? I was thinking M&S or somewhere local maybe?
Any suggestions on where to get Foiletti & banners etc. My local store want £3.50 per pack of Foiletti seems a bit steep.

Any general tips also welcome, e.g. take plenty of binbags for the rubbish, don't forget to have a drink yourself (LOL!!), etc. thank you, thank you Money Saver's

melancholly

i think costco's fab - you always get good prices becuase you have to buy in bulk, but to feed 100 I guess you'd need that! they also do cakes (although i don't know about tiered ones).

jellycat40

Well done twinklybev on making the decision to do the catering yourself. I can be loads of fun but also stressful.

Go simple i would say. Finger foods in bites are great such as stuffed eggs and tomatoes. Sandwiches are a pain so I would not bother too much just provide bread and butter and let the guests do the rest, platters of sliced ham, chicken and cheese are great. Pickles and crudites with some dips (buy the dips would be my suggestion - that is where Costco will come in handy for your pre cooked meats and dips.

For something sweet fruit is grand and everyone likes it - you could also offer a large homemade crumble of somesort with cream and again Costco do a large range of Gateaux which are often BOGOF.

Cake M&S do a great range but so do Asda! You could ask your local bakery if they would do you one that would not cost too much.

It may also be an idea to cost some local caterers to sneakily get some ideas for menus from them. If you ask them for prices and a menu you can steal some ideas. If you feel guilty offer to send an SAE.

Have fun.

Louise

tigertiger_3

My sister had all her food for a party from costco, the cake was FAB...especillay the carrot cake. Ive seen the 3 tier cake at M&S (£75) and it looks lovely.
If you have time look in the local £££ shops there are always party items like silver trays serviettes there you could pick up a few things a week...also look at the old style board, Ive seen similar questions there and lots of advice given
Get everyone you can involved and give them all a task each and plan in advance. Hope you have fun doing it !

nearlyrich

Pound shops are good for plates serviettes etc even platters.

I fed 150 people at my sisters engagement party for less than £1 per head, sausage rolls, party pies, quiches, crisps and nibbles, tuna, ham, egg sandwiches on different breads. A few bowls of green salad, pasta salad and rice salad, potato salad and coleslaw. Most of the food came from Asda but some of it from Aldi.

If you can get a small band of reliable people together and plan who will do what you can prepare a cold buffet in about 2 hours. I am a bit obsessive I do a spreadsheet and a budget but you can do it with just a plan!

lisa_75

Just wondering why you are inviting 100 people to a Christening? Most Christenings I have been to have had 30 people max.

The easiest way to save money is not to invite so many people. I don't think I even know 100 people!

twinklybev

jellycat40 - love the catering firm idea!

Just been sat watching DD propped up with me admiring herself in our 3 way mirror on the dressing table...magic moments!

Does anyone have any advice too on working out a portion to mnimise waste but making sure guests don't go hungry either???

twinklybev

Good point on numbers but we both have big families & loads of friends not seen for ages so happy with numbers & can't wait to see them all really

Justie

cake - can you find Christmas cakes cheap and then tier them with the little cake pillars - you can pipe icing to make it Christeningy but most Christmas cakes are plain... may be a bit late now though.

As others have said get loads of bread rolls, cold meats, quiches, salads etc and work out if you're providing a meal or just a snack and get help sorting it all out as you'll have enough to do on the day.

leahlaz

My partners dd had her son christened in november, also invited 100. Would say 75 turned up.
We all helped with food, eg. chicken goujons, potato salad, sausage rolls, chicken drumsticks, trifle. They also bought some from asda; breadsticks, dips, stuff for butties etc...
Spent less than £100 altogether, and loads got thrown away at the end.
So, my advice is....
Dont go mad, not all of the 100 people will eat a plate full.
Get friends and family to help with food, rather than buy a present (will never use 6 silver money boxes anyway!)
Borrow trays and platters, or buy in wilko's or poundland!
....and take LOADS of piccies!
Enjoy!