easy food for get together?

Wingit

I'm having my siblings, an aunt and cousins over Sat evening to work on a gift for my parents.  We're making them a scrapbook of their first home.

Anywho, DH & I will be busy all day doing yardwork and this isn't about "entertaining" but you know...you have to feed your guests!

I'm trying to not just order pizza.  I think there's 12 of us. Any easy meal ideas that won't break the budget?  Also DH may still be outside finishing up some work so I don't want him to have to grill either.

 

pinktulips

Baked Potato's. You can just throw them in the oven, and have the toppings ready to go. I also like to add shredded bbq chicken as a topping to make it seem more filling.

vjcjenn1

Stuff for sandwiches, with some chips and some fruit...

What time are you having them over.

You might just want to have bowls of munchies out that people can snack on while working.  Nothing greasy/messy.  I'm thinking gummy bears, goldfish, and cookies.

Or are you planning on having a break station, in that case you'll need food that can sit out a while...Maybe a crock pot with meatballs and bread so people can make sandwiches, or some pulled pork...

Starstruckchaos

I got a couple of the flavoring packets from tupperware, as a friend sells it and helping her out, so I bought little things... I love them! I made several dips using the chipotle mix. A bag goes a lot way - the directions call for 1 tbs or more, but it was super strong, so I halve the recipe for the seasoning. I made an awesome salsa in my mixer, just diced tomatoes, onions, green pepper and the chipotle seasoning. There was a dip recipe I made using it too... love things like that. We do the veggie trays a lot, with broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, olives, pickles. and recently did fruit and vanilla wafers and that seemed to go over well.

6fsn

I'd do shredded beef/chicken/pork in a crockpot with some buns for sandwiches; hummus with pita chips and veggies (this can sit out too); some chips; then cookies to put out.

getitdone

How about a pot of chili or cheesy potato soup? I know it is spring and most parts of the country are starting to warm up, but both of these are pretty inexpensive.

Wingit

All good ideas!  We're getting together at 7p. 

I'm thinking meatball subs (keep meatballs& marinara warm in crockpot) and have soem submarine bread.
Then chips, hummus, veggies, pickles, and cookies & icecream for dessert.

That should be more than about $25 to put together too!
I think everyone will just break to eat and I'll make them clean their hands before they start working again.