making my own food for event

CesEve99

i'm having a baptism luncheon for my son at the end of the month. i called a couple of places to order food and they for about 30-35 ppl they are chging me around $150-200.

i'm trying to cut costs anywhere possible and i was thinking of making about 3-4 trays of lasagna and some salad. how much do you think that would run me?

also, do you think it would be worth the time and effort? i would be cooking the night before and re-heating the next day before the event...

thx!

6fsn

It depends on how you make your lasagna, but for my most basic recipe at rock bottom prices: $1 for noodles, $2 for sauce, $4 for hamburger, $3 for ricotta, $6 for mozz.  $16 to serve 6 assuming I have spices and eggs.  So easily $100. 

The good part is that you could always make it weeks ahead, freeze, and bake the day of.  Plus it's forgiving as far as timing. 

On the flip side, do you want to eat lasagna in Miami in June?  If the $150-200 is for everything I'd go with the caterer.  You won't save much making the lasagna.

Wine Enthusiast

I dont think you could grocery shop for 30 ppl for less than $150 and that doesnt even include your time to make the food.  I also dont think lasagna and salad is enough.  What if someone doesnt like lasagna?  They have no other options.  I think you should stick with the caterering and save yourself the trouble!

TarHeels&Rebels

$200 for 30 people is $6.60 per person.  That's seems very reasonable.  What all does that price include?

I also agree with pp that lasagna in Miami in June is a bit out of season, but not terribly so if people are expecting it.

If budget's a concern, is it necessary to host a luncheon?  Could you do immediately family only that day and invite the other relatives over some afternoon for cake and punch?

BlackDiamond3201

I had a lot of the same thoughts as the PPs. I think if you make what you stated it's the same. But who wants to eat just that? I also would think ziti would be better. Will you have meat in it? One with and one without? And that's all these is to eat?

What about some chicken, meatballs,  a vegetarian option. Some apps: fruit, cheese, chips, hummus, raw vegetables?

6fsn

How is ziti much different than lasagna?  It's a hot pasta.

I'm usually one to make my own food, but baptisms are hard because are aren't in the home to prepare things.  You have an event off-site then come home.  For the price you were quoted I'd seriously consider the caterer.

cand88ice

I don't mean to hijack this post but I have a similar question.  I am hosting a fiesta themed graduation party at the end of the month.  I can get it catered through Moe's with a taco bar that includes: marinated grilled chicken, fajita steak, ground beef, pork or tofu. Also includes: Moes pico de gallo, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, beans, hard or soft shell tacos, chips and salsa. It is $8 per person.  I expect we will have around 25-30 ppl for the party.  Do you think I can buy everything I need for much less than that?

BlackDiamond3201

I always found more work into lasagna. Perhaps it's because my grandparents always had to make it perfect. Ziti also does not require having to cut separate pieces. And I find Ziti easier to re-heat/keep warm because you can mix it up.

BlackDiamond3201

Cand88ice:

I don't mean to hijack this post but I have a similar question.  I am hosting a fiesta themed graduation party at the end of the month.  I can get it catered through Moe's with a taco bar that includes: marinated grilled chicken, fajita steak, ground beef, pork or tofu. Also includes: Moes pico de gallo, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, beans, hard or soft shell tacos, chips and salsa. It is $8 per person.  I expect we will have around 25-30 ppl for the party.  Do you think I can buy everything I need for much less than that?

At 30 ppl and $8 per person that is $240. Will you be tipping these people as well? Will some people eat more or less? Will the amount of food equal what you are paying for it? I think you may be able to do some of this on your own, I'm not good with the fiesta themed stuff so I can't help too much! Sorry!!

TarHeels&Rebels

Cand88ice:

I don't mean to hijack this post but I have a similar question.  I am hosting a fiesta themed graduation party at the end of the month.  I can get it catered through Moe's with a taco bar that includes: marinated grilled chicken, fajita steak, ground beef, pork or tofu. Also includes: Moes pico de gallo, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, beans, hard or soft shell tacos, chips and salsa. It is $8 per person.  I expect we will have around 25-30 ppl for the party.  Do you think I can buy everything I need for much less than that?

Do you mean Moe's the big chain?  I think they're expensive for what they are.  I bet a local Mexican restaurant could do it for less.

ILoveRedVino

I would definitely do the catering.  The price is good, but it also saves you the headache of preparing/serving it.

Maybride2

There's no way that you're going to feed 30-35 people on less than $150, unless you're serving PB&J or bologna sandwiches. But if you're stuck on lasagna, you're going to need more than 3-4 trays; I don't see one tray feeding 10 people.

vvwalker

I would DEINITELY go with a caterer.  The price per person is very low.  When pricing out a per person cost for an event - you have to factor in not just the food cost, but the gas, electricity, travel time, time to shop, prep and cook, then wrap, store and reheat the items on your own.  In my opinion, the peace of mind  and less stress is more important than saving a few dollars,you will have a lot going on during that time... do yourself a favor and go with the catering.  Considering all that's involved, you would only be saving yourself a few dollars - literally....go with the caterer - iIt's a great deal!

 

almostjones

We had a baptism lunch at our house last weekend for about 20 people and it ran us around $150-$200 - with alcohol included.  It was a bit of work, but not too much because I used a slow cooker recipe.  Would've been even easier if we hadn't had a disaster experience with our cake. :-)  (link below if you want to read about it)

We had:
Chicken tacos - chicken breasts, taco seasoning, onions, bell peppers, tortillas, sour cream, cheese, salsa, chopped tomatoes
Black beans
Chips
Homemade strawberry cake - here is the ingredient list
Two types of soda
Two types of beer
bottled water

I made the chicken in crockpots (2) the day before, and both of them have "warm" settings, so before church on Sunday I just put the chicken back in the crockpots, set on warm, and it was ready to eat at lunchtime.

Here's how I made the chicken:

1 onion, chopped
4-6 chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
butter or margarine
1/2 cup water
 
Lay chopped onion around the bottom of the crock pot.  Lay chicken breasts on top.  Sprinkle taco seasoning all over the chicken.  Pour water over top.  Dot with butter or margarine (I usually put 4 or 5 little globs of Country Crock) on top of the chicken.  Cook on high for 4 hours.  Check it at 3.5 to see if it?s done.  If it cooks too long, it?ll be dry.

 

Shred the chicken and toss it back into the juicy goodness. 

 

I sauteed bell peppers and more onion & tossed in with the chicken on Sunday morning when I set the crockpots to warm. 

 

CesEve99

Thanks for your input everyone. I was actually able to order food from another restaurant for $120 total for the 30 ppl I had invited. This of course doesn't include the costs of drinks and other stuff I had in mind, but it saves me time & money (especially with two kids to look after). The cake is covered by my sister so it's all good.