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Help! Feeding the five thousand!

4 replies

tasmaniandevilchaser · 19/01/2013 17:02

Well, not exactly five thousand, but way out of my depth here. I have found myself in a situation - DD's 4th birthday party - where I have to cater for at least 25 children + loads of adults. So realistically it will at least 60 people (though about 10 will be 1 yr olds who won't eat much). The budget is limited and it is around 1pm-ish so people will be needing more than a few snacks (though I will warn my good friends to not expect anything gourmet!!)

It's in a hall, don't think there are any cooking facilities. I was imagining just opening a few packets and dumping contents in some bowls. I think I could probably manage cooking some pizzas at home and bringing them along.

I was thinking

pizzas (about 11)
mini sausages
breadsticks
sausage rolls
crisps
hummus and some veg sticks (cherry toms, carrots, peppers)
cheese (with pineapple if I can be bothered, true child of the 70's!)
some fruit - tangerines, grapes
mini muffins
birthday cake

Can't face the thought of making sandwiches, but I could possibly make a big tortilla with potatoes the day before.

I am in desperation even thinking of asking some good friends to bring a bowl of something instead of getting DD a present (she has enough toys!) Is this a terrible thing?

I'm feeling overwhelmed by the thought of it all. Any thoughts on any other food that is easy to provide and CHEAP!!! Maybe a recipe for pasta salad?

ps Sorry for the epic post!

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BluelightsAndSirens · 19/01/2013 17:16

Forget pasta salad and anything else that requires forks.

We recently went to a party of this size in a hall and the host had 2 tables pushed together both tables had exactly the same food on them which meant we had 2 lines going at the same time instead of one long line.

Food you have listed sounds fine and I'm a bit sarny phobic incase you pick your nose or something whilst making them.

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tasmaniandevilchaser · 19/01/2013 17:32

thanks blue that's good advice about the forks. I had factored that in when I made my list, but I fear I'm starting to fret a bit and had forgotten.

I have been to parties where they get the kids to sit down at tables and there are bowls of food out for them and a separate table for adults so they can pick/mill around.

I completely understand about the hygiene issue, I am of a similar mindset, (fingers digging into bodily crevices and then into bowls of food - boak). I can assure you I have a certificate in food hygiene and will adhere to the highest standards of hygiene if I do make sandwiches Wink

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jojane · 23/01/2013 12:21

I generally do seperate food for adults, have done Xmas cake as mince pies for a Xmas time party, tortilla chips and Mexican dips ad crudités for a Dora party, hallowe'en cakes for a Halloween party etc, I wouldn't provide full on food for adults just something snacky then let them pick at the leftovers from the kids,

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tasmaniandevilchaser · 23/01/2013 17:57

Thanks Jojane, hadn't thought about not doing much for adults, I've got such a 'healthy appetite' myself! I'll def think about that, will make it all a lot easier.

A friend suggested children icing their own cakes with sprinkles etc, will look into that as well.

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