Confirmation party - affordable ideas for serving food?

Question

My confirmation is in about 2 weeks and we're having somewhere between 40-60 people at my house. My family is trying to figure out what we can serve for food that is cheap or that we can "stretch" (meatballs, eggplant parm from a local store, etc.) But I don't like that stuff lol! (& it's my party)

What are some affordable food ideas that we can have at my party? Anything from hors duerves (sp?) to meals to desserts. Or if you know any good, cheap catering places in and around the Boston area. Thanks!!

Answer 1

You can always have it potluck where everyone brings a dish. It is a lot cheaper than having it catered and lots easier than doing all the prep work for the food on your own. If you prefer to do it all yourself, then think simple foods. Finger foods such as sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers, fruit, and canned or bottled drinks can save time, but be careful that you don’t go overboard on your budget. Simply using cups and three-liter drinks or fruit drinks can save a good bit, especially if they will drink the store brands.

If your party will be a dinner party where fingers foods are not appropriate, you can try spaghetti with garlic bread and salad, or you could find a good deal on pizza that you can have delivered. You will save time and it is quite easy to find a bargain on different types of pizza.

Fruit and cheese are excellent choices for casual party foods that don't require fancy place settings or dishes. Buy fresh fruit in season when you are likely to find certain varieties on sale and fill your table will a variety of cheeses, crackers, and perhaps olives and nuts.

For party beverages, two-liter soft drinks and bottled water are inexpensive and very easy to serve. Provide ice and cups and allow your guests to serve themselves. Tea and coffee are cheap as is lemonade that you make fresh or from concentrate.

Some easy quick recipes

http://www.freequickrecipes.com/

http://www.greatpartyrecipes.com/