So you are going to cater your own party and are wondering how to make sure it's successful.
Read here for some great tips.
You're going to want to calculate the amount of food for the party and buy it in the cheapest possible way.
I would personally recommend getting a membership to a big-box retail store such as Costco or Sam's Club.
Sure you'll need to pay $50 for a membership card, but you'll most likely save that much money during your initial shopping trip to cater the party.
Keep in mind that not everyone likes to pig out at these parties.
You'll always have the husbands that will rip into the food like it's their last meal, but a lot of other people will just want to pick at appetizers.
Try to calculate how much food a small meal would be for the main course, and multiply by the number of guests, erring on the low side.
Appetizers for the party can easily be found at these types of stores.
Everyone likes cheese and crackers.
Get some, or one, large cut cheese assortment package and some different types of crackers in bulk.
How about getting some individual other cheeses such as goat cheese spreads and fresh mozzarella.
Get drinks keeping in mind that not everyone will be drinking alcohol.
Bottled waters, large soft drink bottles and bottled waters are always a good idea.
Get beer and wine accordingly with your knowledge of the crowd that will be attending.
Keep in mind that it will average out to around 1 bottle of wine per 4-6 people.
Get a nice assortment of beer as well, as not everyone likes the domestic and may want a micro brewed beer.
Tables, plastic wear and other essentials to consider: Get yourself a good folding banquet table.
These can come in many different styles, sizes, and prices so maybe do a search online.
Plastic utensils, platters and plates are easily calculable and found at Costco or another big store.
Do you have hot food? You may want to get disposable chaffing dishes, heating sternos, and aluminum dishes to fit in the chaffing racks.
Tip- Put two aluminum dishes in the chaffing racks with a little water in between them to keep the food from burning on the underside.
Last but not least, don't forget about the music! Keep it soft volume wise, but not boring.
You want people to be able to converse easily and fun music to help the people have fun without even knowing they are getting any help.
So there's some great tips to get you started.
It's really very simple, and I'm sure you can pull of the best party yet!