Hi Ladies,
I need some suggestions. I am hosting Bunko at my house in early December for our group. The December one is always special because we invite all those who play (subs included) so the group is larger than normal. Which is great! But I need to be a little more budget friendly this year. I have been at home for a year now and this will be our first holiday season without my paycheck so money is a little tight. I need meal ideas. We have had italian the last 5 months so I wanted to change it up. Do you have any suggestions that feed 15-20 on a moderate budget? I am up for anything. Thanks in advance.
So many suggestions! I think I have decided to do small baked potaotes, salad, and soup. A little something for everyone. What I love about this Bunko group is that we each pick a month and do the food only for that month. You don't have to stay and clean up. But when you look at it, you only have to do it once a year. Thanks again for all of the ideas.
I would buy a ham and cut up and serve w/some great cranberry sauce...everything else will fall into place.
Baked Potatoes with various toppings is always easy. If you also make a Broccoli Cheese soup it can be eaten in a bowl or put on top of the potato. There is good soup mix in the produce department near the potatoes at Kroger.
Have fun!
Veggie chili is always cheap yummy and has a huge yield. You could serve it up with cornbread. The new Basics cookbook by Russo has a good black bean chili recipe. It's delicious.
homemade chicken pot pie :)
Homemade soup in a crock pot, maybe borrow an extra one to make sure there is enough, baked potato bar and salad. Or just a combo of two of these.
Since it is a special big event have everyone bring something--choose a theme and have everyone bring a dish to share. Or if you use evite you can have people sign up for specific things you list. There is nothing wrong with asking for help--most people wouldn't even think twice about bringing something for a fun event.
What about soup, or chili? You could lay out toppings- cheese, onions, sour cream, even Fritos. Very inexpensive, but great for parties!
awww..darn on the italian theme past 5 times! Pizza and bagged salad with some brownies is always the easiest! At least you know everyone likes it!
Next comes Mexican for our group...Tacos,nachos,or an enchilada cassarole, with some rotel and chips. Then have an easy dessert.Not bad on budget either
Some kind-of cassarole is easiest I think...
What about chili? Or appetizers and dessert? In my bunco group, we all bring something so that one person doesn't have to do all the work/spend all the money. Or a taco bar would be fun. Or, you do do a stew and bread. Have fun!!
Mexican! Enchiladas, rice and refried beans are easy to make and easy on the budget. Or you could do a taco bar. Have all the meat in the crock pot so it stays warm and then all the fixins out and let people make their own tacos. We did this at our housewarming and it was a hit!
The priciest part of our bunco is the alcohol.
Dinners have been a selection of different salads...fruit, Italian, Caesar, pasta, etc.
Bruchetta (but that is Italian)
We had one where the hostess made 2 large pieces of salmon, had salad and bread
Have fun!
I've done a mexican themed night because most everything can be done ahead, I've done fajitas and tacos before. The tacos are a little less expensive. I've also done Cafe Max. They have the yummiest pasta, chicken, caesar salad, breads. I'm not sure where you are located but I think the closest ones is in Richardson and Addison. You can pick up the day before and its so easy. I've done it for a lot of showers and everyone loves it. Have fun!
how about just appetizers. or we've done fondue too at our bunko group. try doing an ornament exchange for fun!
Chili and cornbread. You can make tons of it for really cheap and it's a great winter food. For dessert I'd make cupcakes. A box of cake mix is under $1.00 and you can make a lot of cupcakes w/just one box.
I'm a bunko-fanatic! When I hosted a bunco party for 15 this summer we made a huge pan of baked ziti. Bagged salad but used fresh toppings from Central Market. Tea and 99 cent 2 ltr. soft drinks. Bread too! The whole meal cost less than $25 for 15 people!
How about a potluck? I doesn't seem fair that one person should shoulder the whole expense.
What about a baked potato bar? All you need are potatoes and all the fixins (broccoli, ham, bacon, cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, etc.)
Hi, C.!
How about a chili cookoff, with a special prize awarded for the best chili, best cornbread, best salad and best dessert? (have sign-ups a week before via email and the prizes don't have to be much, maybe a special ornament or something)
Also, wanted to ask you what kind of business you are working from your home...
Thanks and have a blessed holiday!
L.
How about tamales? They are so good and come in a million styles (cream cheese types are my fave). If your get them from an authentic place, they should be very affordable. You can also do a Mexico style Christmas theme with brights colors for plates and napkins. My mom did it for her bunco group and it was adorable and very affordable.
Make an enchilada casserole with beans and rice on the side.
I am also in a bunco group and here are some of ours:
Fajitas and Margaritas
chicken kebabs, wild rice, salad
BBQ brisket, coleslaw, and potato salad
quiche, salad
Chili with a topping bar
large baked potatoes with a topping bar (veggies, diced ham, cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc)
Baked chicken or Roasted chicken with potatoes and a veggie
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, french bread
Pot roast with veggies
HTH!
Baked Potato Bar.....with chili to top it off with.
I would suggest Mexican...enchiladas go a long way...7 layered dip and chips...Mexican casserole (I have a great recipe if you'd be interested).
Good luck!!!
T.
Hi C.,
Have you considered doing mexican food? When I host an event, I always make beef enchiladas. It's fairly inexpensive and always gets good reviews. Super simple and you can always have guests bring a side dish such as salsa, queso, or guacamole and chips. I also make spanish rice so that the food goes further. Add a little onion to your ground beef along with enchilada seasoning and tomato sauce and you're good to go. Place the meat mixture in tortillas and bake for 20min. Last but not least, add shredded cheese, sour cream, etc. and you're off to a great start.
what about a big pot roast? you can add lots of potatoes, carrots, celery, etc. AND it cooks in a slow cooker so you can enjoy everyone being there without spending all of your time in kitchen (of course, with taht many people you might need 2 slow cookers). Throw in a big salad and dessert. Maybe some apps so people can snack when they get there and you'll be set.
Or spend the money on a spiral ham, then save on sides - you could do both regular and sweet potatoe mashed potatoes (cheap and filling), and other veggies (grilled zuchini and squash, etc). Good luck.
Have everybody bring a dish !........
That will help out greatly w/the expenses !
