Budget Buffet/Decoration Ideas?

amycastig

Hi!
I am throwing a surprise birthday party for my flatmate and around 30 people are coming. I am a student so I am on a incredibly tight budget. I was thinking of just buying 4 or 5 pizzas and some garlic bread but I want it to look like I have made an effort and not look stingy.
He will be out of the house between 4-8pm so I don't have a lot of time to prepare stuff.
Also, I have made some paper chains which I will hang around the kitchen diner (we have a few sofa chairs and a big table) and have made a playlist, but I don't have any fancy lighting or decorations and can't afford it. So any ideas? I was thinking a few fairy lights and paper chains and candles but want it to look good!

Thanks so much!!

redfox

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

amycastig

will it get answered???

booter

It will get answered, but if you're talking about 4 - 8pm this evening, you haven't given us all much notice! What about printing off some piccies of him and putting those up as "decoration"? Balloons? As for food, again, you've left it a bit late, but a couple of bowls of crisps/nuts might "bulk" things out a little. Couple of French sticks sliced and buttered? With slices/chunks of cheese? Couple of ideas for you

amycastig

no sorry I should have been more specific its next week sorry xx

booter

Ah, good, pressure's off then! All previous suggestions still apply! Personally I'd not bother with candles - if any alcohol's involved it could be too risky! I wouldn't worry too much about doing vast amounts of food, just nibbles. I'm sure others will be along soon with more ideas, but if you're short of money, keep an eye open as the "reduced to clear" (yellow sticker) bit in your local supermarket - you never know what you'll find!

dingdongsaving

A chopped up pineapple or 2, same for melon so you have something fresh/sweet...very cheap if you can shop around...at most 2 for £3 at tescos on melons and £1 each for the pineapples.

Cheap sweets in bowls?...sucking sweets, cola bottles, chocolate buttons (all cheap in the sweet section at Asda).

Also, for decorations tea lights on plates/trays in salt/sugar look nice amongst food.

meritaten

Yes - fill lots of bowls with 'nibbles' - buy multipacks of assorted nibbles. big bag of salted nuts will fill a few bowls.
decorations - be careful if using candles, make sure they are in a deep container so the naked flame cannot catch clothing or furnishings. a good cheap container for tea lights is an empty baked bean (or similar size) tin. wash it out and take the label off. then punch holes in it with a nail and hammer in pretty patterns.

amycastig

thanks guys it helps so much, I will look on the reduced to clear the same day in the morning so I can use it up!

meritaten

I like your idea of a 'Pizza Party' amy!
a good cheap way of doing a buffet and who doesn't like Pizza? I would suggest though that you make sure that one is suitable for vegetarians.
a few tips - look in poundshops for your bags of nibbles - they often have huge multi-packs of crisps, cheese puffs etc. far cheaper than the supermarkets. they often have party stuff too! Banners and glittery stuff which costs an arm and a leg in card shops. plus packs of disposable bowls!
you may even get breadsticks and dips there.
or I can give you recipes for some nice dips.

krlyr

If you're doing pizza, maybe go pizzeria style with the decorating? Red check table cloth, chalk sandwich board effect menu on display, chef hats, breadsticks in a jar, etc.?

E.g. http://www.karaspartyideas.com/2012/06/pappas-pizzeria-mustache-pizza-party.html
Ideas here - http://www.pinterest.com/ignitebistro/make-your-own-pizza-party-at-ignite/

Maybe make the pizzas have DIY toppings - jars/bowls of pepperoni slices, jalapenos, olives, different cooked meats, etc. and people can then top each pizza/slice how they like. Baguettes could be sliced and made into bruschetta, a bit fancier than just plain bread but not too pricy. If you're feeling brave, it wouldn't even be too costly to make your own pizza bases - dough is cheap to make, and you can reduce down passatta for an easy base sauce. Breadsticks and garlic bread are pretty easy too!