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I was e-mailed a question this morning,
How do I budget for food at my party?
Well now that all depends on how much money you have in the pot for you party catering. I would say as a minimum £8.50 per head for adults you cannot get away with less than this.
For kids you should budget about £6.00 for under 6
One the of the cheapest options is to cater yourself. If you are doing this you will need to work out an approximate amount each guest will eat. If they are your friends you will already have a good idea, but if they are business contacts, or people you don’t know that well, like new neighbours for example I would air on the side of caution, and cater a little more than you think you should.
Work out what you wish to serve and how you can bulk out your buffet table with things like
- Potatoes either, jacket, salad, crisps, or roasted.
- Pasta either cold pasta salad or hot with a sauce.
- Rice again either cold or hot.
- Couscous is another popular buffet filler too.
- Salad
Just make sure you have big bowls or patters with those on and your buffet budget should stay on track.
Whenever your party is being held, make sure to use seasonal foods, which will be cheaper than imported goods.
By placing water jugs and glasses near to the buffet, you can allow you guests to fill themselves with water, should they require it.
The tip here is to place these fillers at regular intervals along your buffet table. Another top tip is don’t put out all your party food at once at the begin, otherwise you could run short. Better to keep a few platters fridge, so that you can add them later as the buffet table starts to look a little thin.
This has two pluses.
- One, it gives everyone the chance to eat the widest variety of food.
- Two, you look as if you are being more generous than you really are if you add food to the buffet, as your party continues.
All these tips can be used if you wish to use caterers, just remember to tell your caterer that you wish to stick within your set budget, they should do the rest for you.
To find a really great local caterer, it’s best to speak to someone who uses caterers on a regular basis. Don’t just fish one out of yellow or white pages. But if you have to go down this route go to visit them at their kitchens. If they will not let you, Don’t book them. They should also provide you with copy food hygiene certificates and contact details of at least three satisfied customers. Again if they cannot, walk away. I’m constantly amazed at how many people hire caterers without checking them out first. Any good caterer will not mind you asking these sorts of questions, infact the good ones, will be more than happy to do this for you.
Well I hope this has helped you. If you have any budget buffet party tips, please feel free to add them in the comments box.
Untill next time.
Jan xxx
Hi there and a very warm welcome to my Ask Jan expert blog.
I’m Jan Dering and I’m going to let you in on all the top theme party hints and tips I’ve picked up over the years.
Why should you read my blog? Well if you wish to find budget party hints and tips, or just to find the answer to that funny party question, you could find the answer here. If it’s not here Just ask. I’m more than happy to answer your party questions.
What makes me a Expert? Well with 15 years experience in the party industry, working for film studios, and the BBC. As well as owning a sucessful party supplies company Absolute parties I think that makes me a qualified expert.
If you wish to take a look at my theme parties website, it’s here.
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