Birthday Party on a Budget...

HappytobeMrs

I'm planning a surprise b-day party for my husband and have a limited budget. I've invited 37 people, although I don't have a final head count yet.  

 For drinks I am planning to have a keg, a few bottles of wine, and lemonade. Should I have also have another drink, like party punch?

For food, I'm trying to keep cost low by only serving apps. Also, I only have a crock pot, so most the apps will have to be cold. Here's what I was thinking of making: 7 layer dip, meatballs, crab dip with bagel chips, deviled eggs, hummus with pita bread, shrimp cocktail,  mini sandwiches and birthday cake. Does this sound okay and is it enough food?

For decor, I really don't have too many ideas. I did get two of those foil spray centerpieces from the party store to use on the food table. Any other cheap decor ideas I could use that have a big impact? TIA

 

Jim&Jaime

HappytobeMrs:

I'm planning a surprise b-day party for my husband and have a limited budget. I've invited 37 people, although I don't have a final head count yet.  

 For drinks I am planning to have a keg, a few bottles of wine, and lemonade. Should I have also have another drink, like party punch?

When you're looking at wine, I would go for boxes.  They're cheaper than bottles, and are being made of much higher quality than they used to be, i.e. Franzia.  We had a party this weekend and did a mini-barrel of Red Truck for $25 and a box of Black Box Savingon Blanc for $20.  They were both equivalent to 4 bottles a piece.

For food, I'm trying to keep cost low by only serving apps. Also, I only have a crock pot, so most the apps will have to be cold. Here's what I was thinking of making: 7 layer dip, meatballs, crab dip with bagel chips, deviled eggs, hummus with pita bread, shrimp cocktail,  mini sandwiches and birthday cake. Does this sound okay and is it enough food?

Never underestimate the veggie tray.  It's a standby at any party I have like this, as it's a great filler.  The same can be said for a basic cheese, sausage, and cracker platter.  To cut cost, I would go with an either or on the seafood options.  Also, if you wanted to do another hot option or two, ask friends or family to loan you an extra crockpot or electric fondue pot, for dips.

For decor, I really don't have too many ideas. I did get two of those foil spray centerpieces from the party store to use on the food table. Any other cheap decor ideas I could use that have a big impact? TIA

msjbear

I would get more than 3 bottles of wine for a group that size, but that's just me. But if you can only do a few bottles, then yes, definitely serve some sort of punch/other drink.

I think if you make enough of each app that those should be a good variety for your group.

I always use candles for low cost, big impact decor! You can get them pretty cheap at places like Walmart, and they add some ambience. If you have photo frames that you already own, you can swap out photos for photos of your H..they don't have to be protraits or anything, just some sentimental photos. Then scatter the frames around the main room on tables, mantels, etc..

SA7206

I find that you don't really end up saving much when doing apps and there usually requires a lot more prep work.

I'll share my favorite inexpensive meal for a large group  (Tarheels knows this is coming ...): Baked ziti. 

It's always a crowd pleaser, it's really easy to make and it doesn't get much cheaper.

Serve it with a side salad, rolls and meatballs if you'd like.

To have some sort of apps, I would just put out cheese and crackers and a veggie tray.  

Serve cake for dessert.

leighanneh

As PP said, candles can make a huge impact for cheap. Hit up your local Dollar Tree. I just got some great little candle holders and candles. Maybe check with Central Market or your grocery store to see if they have any flower deals that week. Pumpkins are also on sale around here, so you could decorate with them.