A party is a great way to celebrate, but organising one can be a lot of work. What food to serve? Where to buy it? How much should it cost? This article will give you the answers!

Preparing for a party

The cost of catering can quickly spiral out of control, especially if you’re not careful. You can save money on your catering bill if you follow these tips:

1. Plan and make a list of everything you need. This will help you avoid making impulse purchases that you may not need.

2. Stick to simple dishes that don’t require too many ingredients or elaborate preparation.

3. Take advantage of online resources and compare prices before making your final purchase.

4. Ask friends and family for recommendations on where to find the best deals on catering supplies.

5. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Many caterers will work with you on price if you’re upfront about your budget constraints.

What food to serve

When it comes to catering for a party, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. What type of event are you hosting? Is it a casual get-together or a more formal affair? Will there be children present? These factors will all play a role in deciding what food to serve.

If you’re hosting a casual gathering, finger foods and appetisers are always a good option. Think about items that can be eaten without utensils. This could include mini quiches, fruit kabobs, or a veggie tray with dip. For something a little heartier, you could do sliders or mini pizzas.

If you’re hosting a more formal event, you’ll want to consider serving a sit-down meal. This could include chicken Alfredo, beef tenderloin, or salmon fillets. For sides, roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes are always safe bets. And remember the bread!

No matter what event you’re hosting, there are ways to save money on catering costs. One way is to ask guests to bring a dish to share. This is especially common for potluck-style events. Another way to save is by using discounts and coupons from local restaurants and caterers. And finally, try to avoid ordering individually plated meals – family-style platters can often be cheaper and just as delicious!

Budgeting for a party

Budgeting for a party can be tricky, but there are a few ways to save money. First, consider what type of party you’re throwing. You can get away with serving simple snacks and drinks if it’s a casual get-together. But if you’re hosting a more formal affair, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Next, take inventory of what you already have on hand. Chances are, you have some food and drinks that can be used for the party. This will help cut down on your overall costs.

Finally, think about where you’ll be buying your food and drinks. You’ll find the best deals if you can shop around and compare prices. Just be sure to factor in any delivery or setup fees that may apply.

The following tips will help you stay within your budget while still providing everything your guests need to have a great time.

Planning the menu

When planning the menu for your party, it is crucial to consider the following:

• The number of guests you will be having
• The time of day the party will be taking place
• Any dietary restrictions your guests may have
• Your budget

Assuming you will be catering for a standard dinner party of around eight people, here are some ideas from Good 2 Eat Catering of what to serve and how to save money:

Starters: 

-A soup or chilli can be a great way to start a meal and can often be made ahead of time. You could also offer a simple green salad.

-Avoid anything too complicated or expensive as starters. Remember, people will be hungry for the main course!

Main Course: 

-One protein option and one vegetarian option are usually sufficient. Chicken is always a safe bet, but you could also try something like beef or fish. For the vegetarian option, pasta dishes are typically popular. 

-If you’re on a tight budget, consider serving rice or potatoes as sides instead of more expensive vegetables. 

Dessert: 

-Fresh fruit is always a good (and healthy!) choice for dessert. Consider making a simple cake or cookies if you want something more indulgent. 

-Again, avoid anything too complicated or time-consuming – after all, you’ll want to enjoy the party too!

Catering for a party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. By following our tips on what to serve and how to save money, you’ll be able to cater your next party without breaking the bank. So get creative and have fun with it – your guests will certainly appreciate the effort!