Evening party nibbles...what to do?

Spendless

bylromarha wrote: »

No time at all the day before - working all day then daughters show in the evening.

Don't want to lumber family and friends into food prep if I'm not going to be doing any of it myself. The venue does offer catering - starting at £6 a head. Not unreasonable, but not paying £500 on top of room hire. Looking at the Sainsbury/M+S etc platter options - comes out rather similar in cost.

I like the cheeseboard idea - that feels doable. Am contacting local pizza companies too to see how much they'd charge. Any other ideas gratefully received.

Doesn't the place provide the room for free if you use their caterers? Long time since I organised anything like that but that's how it always was around here. Use the premises caterers and the room came for free, provide your own food and there was a hire charge for the room. Might be worth an ask, depending on how much you're paying for it.

bylromarha

Spendless wrote: »

Doesn't the place provide the room for free if you use their caterers? Long time since I organised anything like that but that's how it always was around here. Use the premises caterers and the room came for free, provide your own food and there was a hire charge for the room. Might be worth an ask, depending on how much you're paying for it.

Already checked that one out!

Sit down meals provided by them give room hire free. Buffet meals provided by them don't.

Sit down meals start at £13ph...and look good to be honest, but £1300 budget is not really where I'm at!

bylromarha

Valli wrote: »

If you are inviting people to a party they will expect a buffet at least. I assume the bar isn't free?

This is the bit I feel is wierd. Whilst I expect there to be a buffet, I wouldn't be the slightest bit perturbed if there wasn't.

I never go to an evening party not having eaten. I eat as there is food there (and I have zero willpower when faced with chicken on a stick), but I don't rely on it being my total evening intake of food. Plus 8.30pm is too late for me to eat a larger portion.

Which is why I'm liking the cheeseboard idea. Or pizzas, currently coming in around £250.

And the phrase "drinks and nibbles" for the invite is useful - thanks.

DomRavioli

I'd probably say that for 100 guests you expect food - I'd be pretty gutted if all that was on show was some cold takeaway pizza. It really isn't that difficult to put some bits in an oven the day before (or ask people to help you, I still don't see the issue in this and if anyone asked me I would gladly do so) or get caterers. Even Subway would throw some sarnies together.

I work regularly up to 9pm so wouldn't have time to eat before work - and I'm not in the minority either.

Perhaps re-evaluate the other things that are going on and decide if you have the time and money to throw a party.

tightasagnats

It's a bit sad, none of your message suggests that you are at all concerned for your guests - or that can't afford to feed people - but that you resent the idea of having to - or imagine that everyone is just like you! You are hosting a party. If you don't feed people who are bothering to come for your 40th, buy you drinks all night, bring gifts, and imagine they'll have eaten first, you're mad! (If you are actually short of funds, then perhaps do what a friend did for her 50th, and had a "bring a dish for the buffet". No one minded at all, as she had hired a great band, and the venue, and were happy to contribute and had a great range of food). What kind of entertainment have you laid on, or are you planning on opening a window so the band in the pub next door will get people dancing?

Have a nice birthday anyway. At least you'll be helping prevent obesity.