Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

I am debating on what to do for DD's first birthday in terms of food. I am starting 6 months early because I know if I don't I will procrastinate and become overwhelmed at the last minute.

Since I am going to have to pay to rent a facility, since our place cannot hold the amount of people, I am trying to be as cost effective with food as possible. Any ideas, or advice for cooking on a larger scale, or cost effective catering ideas- ANYTHING- are welcome!

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

What about getting a few heros and then make your own pasta... baked ziti is cheap to do if you get all the ingrediants at Costco or BJ's.
chips and already made dips
make your own mini dogs
buy your cake at Costo or BJ's
ice-cream cups for the kids
make your own salad

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

I def agree with getting the bday cake from costco. I will say - the cake decorations aren't the best but who cares. KWIM? Its only $15!

We didnt have a lot of fancy decorations either and party favors for the kids only, not the adults

I do feel that quality of food is very important for big parties. For DD's 1st I got it catered from Lombardi's Market , they were basically the same price as other italian rest nearby.

I would skip the hero and spend the $ on food food. I think thats what people would like better. IMO

HTH

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

If you have a bj's card, they have heros that are delicious for 26.99 for 3 feet of italian or american. SUCH a good deal!

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

I think hero and some hot dishes is a good idea. Or I was at a party whetre they did beautiful platters of meats (cold cuts- one for american and one for italian type meats) and cheeses and had baskets of pre-cut rolls so we could make sandwiches. There were trays of olives, pickles, all the fixins . There were also hot dishes. Pasta is the easiest, cheapest imo. Pasta with garlic, oil and broccol is delish, easy and cheap! A chicken dish and sweet and sour meatballs can be pretty cheap and easy as well. Def cake at Costco. Not the most amazing, but good and cheap! You can find some great finds at Costco for parties.

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

Re: Cost effective 1st Birthday menu ideas for 60-80 people (catered or uncatered)

food info