Affordable lunch ideas for outdoor birthday party?

Question

Next month we will be having a party at the park for my son's second birthday. We are having immediate family only but this still comes to about 20 adults and about 9 children between the ages of 2 and 11.

I'm not wanting to mess around with grilling so that's not an option. What is something I could serve for lunch that isn't way expensive. I know that hot dogs and chips would be cheap but I'm sick of having that. I was thinking maybe sloppy joes but ground beef isn't exactly cheap either.

Any ideas? I'd love all kinds of ideas, main dish, side dish, beverages?

Answer 1

Do you have a grill at the park? Depending on your cooking skills, you could grill tomatoes, bread and mozzarella to make panini sandwiches.

What about a Mediterranean themed party? Your son won't like couscous but some family members might. A box of couscous feeds several people, is inexpensive, and can be dressed up with fresh produce you already have around the house (parsley, onions, tomatoes) and olives.

Hummus is cheap to make (a couple 69 cent cants of garbanzo beans, some garlic and olive oil, skip the tahini to save money).

Cucumber and yogurt plus mint (or dill) makes tzatziki, if you have a way to keep it cold it's refreshing.

Shish kebobs with chicken alternating with white potatoes and green peppers, maybe? Carrots and finger foods with ranch dip for the little kids?

Answer 2

how about some sub sandwiches- you could even order one to save you the hassle or just make your own and slice them up.  for sides you can pick up a few boxes of pasta salad- some pickles and olives also. veggie tray and dip, chips and dips

Sloppy Joe's is another good one to make, buy your meat in bulk to save some $- or maybe shredded beef or turkey sandwiches.

what about a taco bar- have the meat with either tortillas, shells or nacho chips, with all the fixins and Spanish rice and refried beans on the side.

for drinks either make a batch of punch or just get 2-liters of generic sodas (can's get so wasted!) have smaller cups with a marker by them to mark everyones cups. heres a good punch recipe- mix one jug mixed juice of pineapple/banana/orange, one frozen concentrate of OJ, and one 2liter of ginger ale- make some ice rings to float in the punch bowl to keep it chilled.

I like to shop at Aldi for all my party supplies- it's super cheap and still very good quality foods.

Answer 3

Considering the sides that you would need with anything else, a 6-ft submarine sandwich might end up being the cheapest alternative! ....  Then you could really just have a fruit salad with it (hollow out 1/2 watermelon, and refill with the melon, berries, & pineapple)  ....  Maybe  a cheese or salsa dip & chips too .....cookies, brownies & cake .....lemonade for the kids (it doesn't stain);  iced tea;  water;  soda

Answer 4

Tacos and/or Burritos

Wraps

Mini Pizzas

Roast Beef on a Bun

Answer 5

I know a yummy pasta salad.

Buy as many boxes as you need for the number of kids and boil it all. Then cover it in Ken's 3 Cheese Italian. It's delicious and easy!

Answer 6

I would say pizza (find a deal), maybe fried chicken, mac and cheese, baked beans with the little sausages instead of franks

Answer 7

little cheese sandwich crackers

cheese on toothpicks

grilled cheese sandwiches

macaroni and cheese

btw, did i mention i love cheese

Answer 8

Cold fried chicken is relitively inexpensive and would go well with a veggie and dip tray.  A pasta or potato salad would round it out well.

Or you could truly make it a 'kids' themed party by serving peanut butter and jelly, Capri-Sun or drink boxes, fruit roll ups, Lunchables and the like.  I'm sure it's been years since most of the adults ate like that.  The nostalgia might be cool!

Or you could make a wrap buffet.  Cut up veggies, meats, cheeses and have dressings available and a few different types of tortillas available.  The adults will enjoy it, and the kids will like something new.  And you are outside, so if it is messy and drippy, who cares?  A potato or pasta salad would work here, too.  Maybe throw in a fruit salad as well, or chips, or just a bowl of apples and bananas for dessert.  Make sure to include your childs favorites.

Answer 9

Some fun ideas

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/