Tips on cutting costs for party

Kynthia

I recently organised a 40th afternoon party at home but had about 25-30 (inc children) attend after inviting more. I had cheap cutlery and cups from the 99p store and plain paper plates and bowls from Costco (which were really strong and good to use). As it was a kids party theme I didn't have to worry about being sophisticated this time so I had big trays of chicken nuggets (with bowls of ketchup and mayonnaise for people to spoon onto their plate) and mini sausage rolls. I had hot dogs and buns with mustard, and trays of Costco sandwiches (which are good value), along with retro sweets, inexpensive biscuits like party rings and pink wafers. I made a massive 5 pint jelly and served it with basic ice cream and squirty cream which people went nuts for and ran out. I also made a cake and lots of cup cakes. I had supermarket basics pizzas and chicken drumsticks ready to put in the oven should the food start to run out but it was fine. It was probably a cheaper spread than I normally put out as there would normally be sliced meats, French stick, olives, nuts, chicken satay, jacket potatoes, mini sausages and Indian bites as well as cakes and chocolates. People seemed to love it though.

The cheapest way to decorate is lots and lots of balloons up (you can buy balloon hooks or hangers online to get bunches of them on the walls otherwise get them filled with helium that morning) and bunting in the garden. Then blue tac some banners on the walls. Another inexpensive tip is to buy some card (I used a big black piece from Hobbeycraft for one collage) and stick on loads of old photos of the birthday boy/girl to hang around the house.

Being an afternoon event meant most left by 7pm although our friends stayed longer. That meant lots of people were driving and it was a very hot day so I went through an awful lot of coke plus squash and lemonade. Most people brought a bottle or some beers so not much of the alcohol I supplied got used. Pimms was incredibly popular and I wish I'd had more. I had one jug I kept refreshing but another would have been good. I think a few fruit ciders and beers got drank and my mum made people teas and coffees later on. I set out all the drinks and plastic cups on the breakfast bar and people tended to sort themselves out. I was surprised that no wine I bought was drunk and I'm not sure if any spirits were touched (I only put out what I had rather than buy anything particular) but I think my family aren't big drinkers, people don't often go mad in the afternoon, and the heat made the pimms very popular, so you'll need to base your decision on what you know of your guests. Keep it simple as people are generally happy with coke/lemonade, squats for the children, beer, wine and Pimms, but many will bring something and you could always ask someone to do an off license run if things run low rather than over-buy

skintpaul

finger sized snacks- slices of pizza, flans, and mini sausage rolls, bowls of salad bits.

large punch bowl - one boozy, one not.

Have a big cool box (paddling pool?) half filled with ice, for bottled drinks- put in garden, to spread the crowd about.

plastic glasses / plates / cutlery.

One large 40th banner, some balloons,

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

PasturesNew

Don't forget you'll have some whiners: where's the veggie option? I'm gluten free? Is this organic/eco/green? Dairy free? I'm on a diet...!

Personally they'd not be invited.... but you're bound to get some whiners