Question:
My husband is turning 25 we want to have a BBQ style party, our budget will only allow $200 spending amount. There will be about 25 invited. Any ideas??
Answers:
Make a dish that can serve 25 people. If you are going to do hot dogs / right now most stores will have sales 4 to 5 packs for $5. Go to your local bread store such as Merita or Flowers bakeries have discount breads for day old which are still good for a week but for half the price. Hamburgers - the meat can be stretched with fillers such as a mix of seasoned bread crumbs, worsteshire sauce, and a little ranch dressing mix (powdered). Same stores for the buns. If you shredd a head of lettuce it will go farther and if you will just buy a can of diced tomatoes it will be cheaper and easier than buying buy the pound and cutting them yourself. For a spicier diced tomatoes buy some with mild chiles and cilantro.
I make my own salsa - canned whole tomatoes, boiled or roasted jalepenos, add powdered or fresh garlic, salt, and cummin in a blender and add water to make it thinner if you want. I can make about 3 cups for about a $1 in the blender.
BYOB for the drinks but buy one case of beer. That way you do not have to worry if the drinkers in the party didn't atleast have a beer. Also, make several different non alcoholic drinks with some exotic flavors. I buy the Mexican version of Kool aid called KLASS. I usually make Horchata (add one small can of evaporated milk with the water and sugar and crushed ice), Jaimaica, and Pina/ pineapple. If you buy alcohol buy the bottle it is always better to buy the biggest. You get more for your money.
And as one of the answerers said before. Instead of gifts ask several of your invited guests bring a dish they are really good at making to share. It makes them feel special and that can be their gift. Same thing with friend that mixes certain drinks well. Ask them to bring the alcohol and mix and tell them you love their way of making it. They will be honored. Decorations can be minimal but if you want to bighten the night everyone has christmas lights at home. Pull them out and hang them on your deck or foliage and voila / lighted party! Don't have to worry about someone starting a fire with torches or candles and really makes a festive mood. To reduce bugs in your party area take an Onion and cut it in half. Tie the onion up in a far part of your yard and cover it lightly with cooking oil. The smell draws the bugs away from your party. Flying insects are best to deter away with a cheap lightbulb. Just run an extention cord to the far part of your yard and then plug in the lamp or bulb. Works great at our parties.
Hope this helps your party to be a success. Need any advice just click on my avatar and email me. Have fun and tell your hubby I said HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Any one who asks what gift to buy, ask them to bring a dish to pass instead.
Or have hotdogs and hamburgers and chips and call it good. I'm sure your friends care more about celebrating than the food anyway.
raise it up a little to about 250 so you can get more stuff like soda like 7-8 coco colas 2 liters and some decorations along with paper plates bbq spoons allot of stuff the list can go on.
Desperate
Here's a basic menu that your guests will think cost you a fortune. Only you and I will know different.
Salad: Fresh wedges tomato, chopped green onions, lots of fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. (optional cubed boiled potatoes or fresh boiled green beans added) About $8
Main: Have the butcher at the market trim and cut into 15 steaks each of two whole TOP SIRLOINS. about ten ounces each.
Grill on hot broiler for 4 minutes per side for rare more for med doness. Season with wet or dry BBQ sauce or seasoning. About $60-70.
Grilled vegetables: Portobello mushrooms sliced thick, eggplant wedges, baby bell peppers, sliced red onion, sliced yams 1/4"
thick, etc. Any or all the above or your own favorite veggies. Toss in a little olive oil, oregano, garlic and onion powder salt and pepper and grill or roast. About $12
Fill in with scooped out watermelon filled with fresh fruit, About $18
bread, garnishes, condiments,About $12
Total; $120.
$80 for drinks decor, etc.
Have fun.
For more information
Chef Jim
jim@babbomall.com
With 25 guests, YOU don't have to pay for everything. Have each guest bring something. If you supply the main dish, your guests can bring beverages and side dishes.
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