First Birthday Party -Food and Beverages?? Please help me.

Hi,

Well Ava's 1st Birthday is almost here. July 4th.

As of now it looks like we will be having about 55-60 adults.

I don't know what types of food to put out. I didn't want to go full blown catering. I was thinking maybe some heros (but how many?), pasta salads, reg. salads, hamburgers and hotdogs. Any other suggestions?

Also, what about beverages? Should I just get cases of beer?? How much soda will I need... Anyone have any pointers? Also there will be about 12 children. I was going to do chicken mcnuggets and french fries for them.

I better hit Costco.

Someone please help me figure this all out.
Thanks SO much,
Denise
PS. What about a cake??? Her theme is the Little Mermaid..

Re: First Birthday Party -Food and Beverages?? Please help me.

I've thrown a bunch of parties before, so here's what I would do:

A 6 ft hero feeds about 24 adults, so if you're having burgers and hot dogs too, I think 2 heros is plenty. I would do a 5 or 6 ft Italian, 3 foot American and a 3 foot veggie. I'd get about 15 pounds of salads (maybe 7 lbs potato, 4 pounds macaroni and 4 pounds cole slaw).

For the burgers and dogs, I'd get the pre-made patties (so easy!). They come in 5 lb pkgs - about 16 patties. I'g get 3 pkgs. I don't think you'll need more than 1 hot dog pp. b/c you'll have the heros.

Chicken nuggets and fries are great for the kids. Some of them will probably eat hot dogs and hamburgers, too.

Cases of beer and soda are great. Just get a variety of sodas (at least 2 cans pp). Also, pick up a case of juice boxes and a few cases of Poland Spring water.

Costcoand BJs sell yummy sheet cakes. BJs might have a Little Mermaid theme cake, I'm not sure if Costco does.

Hope this helps.

Have a great party!

Re: First Birthday Party -Food and Beverages?? Please help me.

Kathy gave you some GREAT tips!

Make sure to not put the potato salads, etc in the hot sun for long (if this is outdoors).

Also, depending on the ages of the kids, you might want to have lots of crafts (perhaps some kiddie tables, and someone designated to help them, supervise, etc). that keeps them busy, unless you have water stuff outside.

I agree with Costco or BJs for cakes. If I remember correctly ONLY BJs has the "themed" character cakes, and they have SOOO much to choose from. Costco only have cute stuff like flowers and balloons, no characters. and BJs will cost you LOTS less than another other place, and the cakes are delicious!

With drinks, one thing that worked for us with a huge party was having those HUGE jugs kinda like the water ones at big companies, we have rubbermaid ones, and we fill em with iced tea and one with water. sometimes easier than bottles or cans. (in addition to soda, beer, wine coolers, etc)

I cant beleive she's going to be 1 !!!

Message edited 6/16/2006 8:28:37 AM.