Hey mamas, I am having a big party for my oldest son's 10th birthday next weekend. They place we're having it (in the city, near Humboldt Park/ Logan Square) lets you bring in outside food, and I am no party planner, so I need your advice!
We're probably going to have about 80 people (rsvps aren't all in, but that's my best guess), split between adults and kids. My awesome friend is making the cake for us, so that's covered. I was thinking about Capri Suns, waters, sodas, and punch for drinks. On to the main food items-- I have no idea. Do I go with the old standard, pizza? My son's school is going on a health kick and trying to encourage healthier eating, so I'd like to do something a little healthier. But then it's just one meal, so I have no problem ordering pizza if you all think that's best. Maybe chicken tenders? Marcello's has really good ones, but I also don't want to spend a fortune if I can help it. But then I want to feed everyone well and give them choices, so maybe pizza, chicken tenders, and a sandwich platter? My mom thinks that's overboard, and that I should just order one thing. I know everyone has different tastes, so I just want them all to enjoy themselves and not go hungry.
What do you all think? I'm no cook, and bringing in a ton of stuff from home is going to be inconvenient (we've already got decorations and piñatas to carry in, drink, etc), so I'd really like to order from somewhere.
Thanks for the help ladies!
J.
I can't thank you all enough for your wonderful suggestions! I am definitely going to run to Costco for fruit and veggie trays (and whatever other goodies I find there), and I've been looking at both Pompei and Marcello's for pizza and chicken. I love the idea of family helping out by bringing some things, but my family is driving up from central IL the night before, so I think I will cater the meal part at least.
I especially loved the suggestion not to make it too complicated-- that is my specialty! LOL, I want to stop doing that so I can actually enjoy this party, and I will take everyone's advice and simplify.
Thanks ladies!!
J.
If getting the party catered and wanting to keep things on the healthy side, I would keep it simple by ordering chicken (could be baked), a veggie pasta (for non-meat eaters) and some version of a green salad. You could also include a veggie, cheese and/or fruit tray too. I attended a baby shower which had a similar menue and it was perfect.
Good luck!
For my daughter's birthday, we had about the same number and it was easy! I made (ahead) pulled pork in my slow cooker but you can order that from a BBQ place. I had a large veggie tray (and more to fill in gaps as we went) and a fruit tray and cheese and crackers. Since we had many babies and toddlers, I had mini hot dogs and grilled cheese and apple sauce cups.
Truthfully, people do not expect a giant meal. Most enjoy grazing through the party and not sitting down to a heavy meal.
I did it all myself, but you can get trays at a grocery store or Costco, as someone else mentioned.
Would family or friends be willing to help with the food? That may take some pressure off of you.
I'd LOVE to know where the space is. I'm looking for a space for a shower in the spring.
Best of luck and Happy Birthday to your son! ~K.
Eighty people is a lot to feed! I have catered from Pompei a few times and am always happy. Their pizza trays are huge (sheet pans), but you can also get pasta, Italian sausage or beef, etc., to add variety to the menu. Their catering menu is online. It gets pricey, though. I'd suggest getting a veggie and/or sandwich tray from Costco or Jewel rather than a restaurant. I'd try to avoid fried food mainly because it doesn't hold up as well. For my son's bday last year, I catered from Smoque BBQ, and it was a huge hit. I only did brisket and pulled pork (no chicken or ribs) and opted for the mini sandwich buns knowing that people would try both kinds of meat. One of the play spaces I take my kids had business cards for birthday party catering, and there was a place that had a hot dog cart. I thought that was a great idea because kids and adults will eat hot dogs. You can probably find someone to do hot dogs for a lot less money in an aluminum pan rather than going the hot dog cart route.
See what you can get at Costco to save some money but only if you have people who can help you out with bringing stuff. It's a kids party, so I don't think people have great expectations, but it is good to have a little variety to accommodate tastes and preferences (like vegetarians) while keeping the menu simple. Maybe 1) pizza and pasta (marinara sauce in case there are vegetarians) or 2) hot dogs and sandwiches/wraps? Either get huge bags of chips from Costco or those boxes of individual bags of chips.
If you're getting too stressed, your menu is probably too complicated. You've got a lot to plan and it will be busy, but you want to be sure you'll be able to enjoy your son's party, too!
Good luck!!
