Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

I decided finally to go with a monkey theme for DS' first birthday. I'm doing the party myself since STBX isn't around, so I'm trying to keep the cost down.

I'm thinking of renting out one of the Veteran's Halls in the area. I priced out catering for 45 people but it's really more than I can afford right now. I thought about cooking myself but I think it's going to be more work than I can handle (although, its still a possibility). I was thinking of getting a few 5' heros but my mom isnt thrilled with the idea. Would it really be bad to do a few heros for a 1st bday party?? Its mostly adults - maybe only 3 or 4 kids at the most. If I did heros, would you order sides as well (or salads, fruit platters??)?

Also, does anyone have suggestions on where I can get cute monkey bday invitations? I cant find anything I'm in love with.

Thanks!

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

I see nothing wrong with heros! I would totally do it. Get a few different kinds, some macaroni and potato salads, maybe a regular salad with dressing on the side and call it a day. The Italian in me would make a few trays of ziti since it's easy to do in advance, make in bulk and heat up over sternos, but it's in no way necessary.
I say go for it.
As for the invites, have you tried Oriental Trading Co?

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

I think hero's are perfectly fine and many places give you salads with it ( if you look, you can find specials)

You could always either order or make a full tray of ziti or 2 to go on the side with it ...Ziti is something you can make a few days ahead of time and most VFW's have ovens that you can heat them in right there...sausage and peppers are very easy also

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

Thanks ladies
I think the trays of ziti would definately be do-able (plus, I'm sure I'll have help from family to set up so it shouldnt be too difficult). To feed 40 - 50 people how many trays would you make?

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

I am super bad with estimating food
( fortunately I usually over do it, as opposed to not having enough )

Id say if you are getting 2-3 six foot hero's, I would probably make 2 full trays on the side ( or maybe one full tray of ziti and one tray of meatballs) and then the cold salads...

Like I said, I'm not great with the estiimating, so hopefully you get some more input from some of the other girls on this - LOL



Check your local "Handy Pantry" if you have one of those near-by for heros because they always have some sort of deal where you gets salads for free !

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

for 45 people you will only need like 2 (3) foot heroes.
i would do a hot dish of something as well.
for my dd's 1st bday we rented a vfw hall as well. we did 3 (3) foot heroes from bjs. ( they were the cheapest $27 for a 3 foot hero) and i ended up wth a whole hero practically untouched. i made a tray of sausage and peppers, ordered a tray of baked ziti, my mother in law made a huge salad , and a small tray of sauteed chicken breasts. i also had a tray of chicken nuggets for the kiddies. the adults knoshed on them too..most of the hot food was gone. keep in mind this was in january so i think people eat more in the winter and it was def necessary to provide something warm...

BJs/COSTCO is your best friend! you can buy a HUGE bag of chicken nuggets for like maybe $20 ( idont rembr the price). heat them up in the oven provided at the hall and transfer them onto a tray. meanwhile, a restuarant will charge you $40 for a tray of chicken nuggets.


i suggest doing a tray of something hot like a ziti and provide a salad. that should be plenty! if you are not going to have a lot of help, dont bite off more than you can chew!
i was going to make the ziti, but my mom stepped in an gave me money to order the ziti instead. i am def glad i ordered!! i was very busy b.c i made 150 mini cupcakes plus the sausage and peppers...

good luck!!

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

Posted by HomeIsWithU

Thanks ladies
I think the trays of ziti would definately be do-able (plus, I'm sure I'll have help from family to set up so it shouldnt be too difficult). To feed 40 - 50 people how many trays would you make?

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

We did pizzas garden salad and garlic knots for about 40-45 people for my dds first bday

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)

I think heroes and ziti sound fine!

Re: Need opinions on 1st birthday food (and a few other things)