Cost to to Feed Snacks for 21 People
Parties! Doesn't matter what type of party – birthdays, park dates, graduations, family reunions, barbecues, church activities, sleepovers, weddings… Where there's a party, there must be food! Today we're sharing some of our favorite cheap party food ideas!
Whether the party is big or small, we all know that people gather together where there is good food. No matter the size or style of your party, I'm sharing all the tips for planning and prepping an amazing party for cheap! Not only that, we have an amazing list of party food ideas to help you figure out exactly what to serve!
*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
If you know me, you know I love to party! I am an entertaining NUT. We love having people over, whether it's one couple or forty friends – we love to entertain. A LOT. Unfortunately, if you're not careful, feeding a crowd can be expensive! Don't worry, my friend, I've got some tips to help you stay on top of your party budget!
FEEDING A CROWD ON THE CHEAP
You ready to get started? Here are helpful tips to keep your wallet in check when feeding all the people:
- Plan Your Menu – Check out this section to learn about all the factors you should consider before planning your menu for your upcoming party.
- Cheap Party Food Ideas – I'm including a huge list of party food ideas that you can use as a resource.
- Shop for your Party – These tips for shopping will help you stay on budget.
- Party Accessories and Must-Haves – Check out what I use regularly when I host and entertain the masses.
Pssst…. don't want to read the whole post? Just click on the section you're curious about above and we'll take you there!
*Don't forget to check out my Studio 5 segment for details about feeding a crowd in the summer!
Here are some things to look at when planning your menu:
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ATTENDING?
If you're hosting a graduation party at your house and plan to invite all your family and friends… I wouldn't recommend serving steak. That would become an extremely expensive party! However, if you are hosting a dinner party with two of your best couple friends then sure, steak is a little more reasonable. Food Network has a great barbecue party calculator for figuring out how much to make per person.
Pro Tip: Always ask for an RSVP by a certain date so you can get an accurate number. Doing it via text, Facebook, or email will get you the most results. People hate having to call!
WHAT TIME IS YOUR PARTY?
Time of day is a HUGE determining factor for what kind of party food you should plan to serve. There is nothing worse than going to a shower at 12:30 and only getting a few finger desserts to eat. So, here's a chart to help determine what you should serve:
If your party goes from 9:30-11am, that would mostly fall under the "light snacks" rule. A later party from 6pm-8pm, mostly falls under the "full dinner" rule. If your party is from 11:30am – 1pm, that mostly falls under "full lunch" rule. See how that works?
Another thing to keep in mind with time of day is that people will eat and drink more at night than during the day, so plan appropriately.
VARIETY… MORE = LESS
Take a dessert party, for example, if you have more variety of desserts, people will eat less of each and will be satisfied with smaller bites. If you have a dessert party with three cakes and nothing else, you should cut big slices and expect them to be wiped out. But if you have smaller cakes, cookies, pastries, cake bites, brownie bites, and other small things, you can serve less of each and make much smaller portions because there is more variety.
WHAT IS YOUR PARTY BUDGET?
With anything in life, setting a budget is key. Decide early what you are willing to spend and base your menu around it. Believe it or not, it's quite easy to do a party for cheap or even free. Potluck, BYOM BBQ, dessert party, or even a pasta party all can be done for only a few dollars.
AGE OF ATTENDEES AND SEATING SITUATION
If there are going to be lots of kids at your party, avoid dark-colored punch, soups, and meals that could cause a mini disaster in your house. When people will have a table to sit at, soups and taco salads are fine to serve. If people will mostly be standing and mingling, finger foods are best. When it's something like a family reunion, consider a menu that has something for everyone, something that everyone from little kids to seniors would enjoy.
WHAT'S THE OCCASION?
For a bachelor party, I probably wouldn't do a salad bar… Maybe stick more to a hearty BBQ. Having a baby shower? I'd avoid chicken wings and focus on a lighter menu. Just keep your attendees in mind so the food is fitting!
TIME OF YEAR
Baked potato bars, soup bars, and pasta bars are perfect for winter months. Salad bars and BBQ's are perfect for spring and summer. Potlucks are great all year. Just consider what's in season, and what time of year it is.
CHEAP PARTY FOOD IDEAS
All of that being said, here are some examples of great menus that I use to feed a crowd on the cheap:
DINNER PARTY FOOD IDEAS
A lot of these ideas are classic! These are foods that people love, and the best part is that they can be cheap if you plan right! Another bonus – a lot of them will also work for lunch time.
- Baked Potato Bar– Baked potato bars are a wonderful party food idea! Potatoes are cheap and easy to prepare in advance. Just bake your potatoes straight in the crock pot and you can keep them warm and serve them straight from the same pot. Have a variety of toppings to choose from. Delicious Made Easy has some great potato bar ideas!
- BBQ – This is a favorite for summer months. You provide burgers, dogs, or other shredded meat of choice, plus buns and condiments. Have your guests bring a side, drink, or dessert to share.
- BYOMeat BBQ– You provide the grill, sides, buns, condiments and drinks. Everyone else brings their own meat and even a side to share. You offer to cook everyone's meat or let them do it themselves to their liking!
- Hawaiian Haystacks– These are so easy and delicious, plus easily adaptable for people with allergies. Provide everything you need to create a Hawaiian haystack and ask your guests to bring a side, dessert, or even a haystack topping. Plan in advance to avoid too many duplicates. Clean Eats and Treats has even more Hawaiian haystack ideas, so be sure to check those out!
- Taco Bar – Who doesn't love a taco? You provide everything you would need to build a taco. Ask guests to bring a side or dessert to share.
- Potluck – The most inexpensive party idea is a potluck, but it does require a bit more planning. Provide the drinks and a dish or two. Have everyone else contribute a dish, as well. You can ask for specific dishes – main, side, or dessert.
- Pasta Bar– For a very filling dinner party, pasta is an excellent choice! Provide a few types of pre-cooked pasta, sauces, and toppings. Ask guests to bring breads or green salads. Avoid if children are at your party, unless they will be seated at a table. Check out this adorable pasta bar from Somewhat Simple.
- Salad Bar– Have everyone bring a salad to share or provide different kinds of greens and have everyone bring a salad topping and build their own salad, like a conventional salad bar. Provide drinks, breads, soup, mini sandwiches, or some other side.
- Soup or Chili Bar– This is great for winter months. Avoid if children are at your party or if guests will not be seated at a table. You provide the soup and soup toppings. Ask your guests to bring a side, dessert, or toppings. Plan in advance to avoid duplicates. Get even more great chili bar ideas and tips from Garnish with Lemon!
BRUNCH PARTY FOOD IDEAS
If your party can be turned into a brunch, you're in luck because you can mass produce all kinds of brunch foods for cheap. And people love breakfast foods.
- Make Your Own Parfaits – You'll need a whole lotta yogurt for this one, plus some granola and fresh fruit! That's it! You can even make your own giant batch of granola to save a little money. Get even more great ideas from One Brass Fox's yogurt parfait bar!
- Waffle, Crepe or Pancake Bar – This is one of my favorite fun group meal ideas. Toppings can include everything from yogurt, ice cream, and chocolate syrup, to peanut butter, Nutella, and chopped nuts.
- Bagel Brunch– This is such a unique idea that bridges breakfast and lunch perfectly. Check out this amazing bagel brunch from Celebrations at Home blog.
- Breakfast Sandwiches – Make a bunch of breakfast sandwiches. These are easy to make in an assembly line, so grab some helpers! Have guests bring fruit, pastries, or other yummy breakfast or brunch foods to share.
- French Toast Casseroles – Make a casserole or two and invite guests to bring a French toast casserole to share.
SNACK PARTY FOOD IDEAS
There are so many ways to mix up snacks and have a super fun party! The sky is the limit. Here are just a few ideas to get you started thinking.
- Dip Party – Ask everyone to bring a creative dip (this bacon cheeseburger dip from The Cookie Rookie would be a hit) to share, then you provide all the dipping items. Or you provide the dips and have your guests bring items to dip! Cheese fondue, anyone?
- Finger Foods – Yum! These are the best party foods out there. You don't have to worry so much about utensils, since the goal of finger foods is to contain the mess and eat with your fingers!
- Sliders– Quick, easy, versatile party food that everyone loves! There are so many good recipes out there for amazing party sliders.
- Snack Boards– Everyone loves a cheese board! Add some more fun to your cheese board to make the ultimate snack board. This is such a unique idea and makes it easy for everyone to contribute a snack and throw it all out in bowls or on boards. Two Peas and Their Pod have a great sweet and salty charcuterie board.
- Favorite Appetizers– Have everyone bring their favorite appetizer! Then you'll just need to provide drinks and a few of your own favorites!
DESSERT PARTY FOOD IDEAS
Great for late-night get togethers. Provide drinks and a few main desserts, as your guests to bring a dessert to share. Toss in a veggie tray for the healthy eaters.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Bar – A giant batch of cookies and some ice cream go a long way! Check out this gorgeous, inspirational ice cream sandwich bar from The Tomkat Studio.
- Brownie Bar – Start simple and just have everyone bring a brownie or bar to share. So yummy and easy!
- Build Your Own Sundae Bar – Grab a couple gallons of ice cream – the more flavors the better. Then ask everyone to bring their favorite toppings like fruits, nuts, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, etc. Don't forget to have a few of the basics on hand!
- S'mores Party – This is the perfect idea for summer and lounging around with friends. It's a perfect party food idea! Get even more great s'mores bar ideas from Fun365.
- Popcorn Bar – Talk about easy and cheap! Popcorn is super cheap and mix-ins are easy!
- Cookies – Wanna keep it simple? Just make a giant batch of cookies and invite everyone to bring a batch of their favorite cookies. There will be plenty to go around and everyone will get something they love.
We also have a printable version of this list plus all the topping and food ideas, be sure to grab that list!
Remember…even the simplest (and cheapest!) meals can be delicious and a crowd pleaser.
Here are some quick tips for keeping your grocery bill down when shopping for a party:
STOCK UP
Throughout the year, watch the sales! If you see condiments go on sale, stock up. Same with chips, paper plates, napkins, drinks, and other pantry items. This also goes for anything you can freeze (cheese, tortillas, meat, etc.).
USE WHAT YOU HAVE
Before running to the store, open your fridge, freezer, cupboards, and pantry and use what you have! This goes for decorations, too. Trust me…you'll save A TON of money if you simply get creative with what you already have.
PLAN YOUR MENU AROUND SALES
The week of your party, keep an eye on the ads and use it to influence your menu. If Coke products are on sale that week, buy those instead of Pepsi products. If Heinz ketchup is cheaper than Hunts, then buy Heinz. That alone will save you TONS.
BUY IN BULK
Buying bulk will save you tons of money when cooking for a crowd! I prefer shopping at Costco, personally, but even grocery stores have bulk sections. I avoid buying cutesy plates and cups since they are WAY more expensive. Rather, I stick to the bulk plates and cups and dress up my party in other ways. See below for ideas!
BE SMART. PLAN AHEAD. DON'T GO CRAZY.
You don't need to serve gourmet ketchup at your BBQ; just buy whatever is cheapest. Don't just shoot from the hip and buy eight heads of lettuce for your taco bar unless you know for certain that it's exactly how much you need. Waste not, be reasonable, and don't go crazy! 🙂
PARTY ACCESSORIES & MUST-HAVES
Accessories make the outfit when it comes to throwing a party. Whether it's functional must-have's or little touches that give a party some POP!, here are some accessories that I recommend for feeding a crowd:
PICK A COLOR SCHEME
Now, you don't have to go crazy with it, but just incorporate it here and there to tie it all in together. Whether it's with little decorative pieces, invitations, food labels, napkins, table cloth, candles, or with the food itself, bringing a pop of color in can bring your gathering to the next level.
For a dessert party I threw, I had yellow and green as my accent colors. To tie the colors in, I simply placed different sheets of 12×12 scrapbook paper under some of the dishes. You can also use tissue paper and wrapping paper for this. And yes, you can use the paper for future projects!
STATEMENT NAPKINS
This is an inexpensive way to dress up a gathering. Lately I have been buying my cute napkins from Ikea. Look at how adorable they are! I love them because they are BIG (sometimes party napkins are itty bitty), and are super sturdy. They're affordable, too!
SERVING WARMERS
An amazing crockpot is always a must when serving a crowd. You can cook and serve right in the crockpot, so it cuts down on dishes and mess! I have two different electric serving warmers and I'm OBSESSED! I got one for Christmas a few years ago from Costco. It's perfect for food that you've made in advance, and want to keep warm.
I got the Oster buffet server warmer tray one year for Christmas. I love it because it's three individual crock pots that actually cook, which makes for easy clean-up since I'm doing everything in the same pot.
These are the handiest tools EVER for feeding a crowd. They save space, keep your food warm, and look nice and professional. They are pretty affordable. I recommend keeping your eyes peeled and buying them AFTER Christmas when they go on sale. It's an investment that you will be able to use over and over! I even use these for our Sunday dinners.
STYLISH TABLE CLOTH OR RUNNER
This is not only an easy way to dress up your gathering, but will also protect your furniture. I have had luck buying them at Home Goods for $5. I like the vinyl ones that are easy to wipe down, but I also have cloth ones that I can throw in the washing machine. Once again, it's an investment that you can use over and over.
Keep in mind that you can also use a roll of wrapping paper down the center of a table as a disposable runner! I also like the cheap table cloths from the dollar store, because you can toss them guilt-free if they're too dirty to keep and reuse later.
SIGNS AND FOOD LABELS
No need to buy any fancy ones from Etsy or other shops. They're simple! You can even make them on Word or in Canva! Labels add cuteness and creativity to a gathering, but are also really functional… Especially for dessert parties so people can know if there are nuts in the dessert they are about to eat.
I always like to put a sign on my front door so people don't feel like they have to knock and wait for me to answer, AND so they know they are at the right house. Once again, just make it on your computer, print it, and stick it on some cute scrapbooking paper. Easy and free 🙂
SPACE-SAVING TOOLS
Functionality and flow is key when feeding a crowd. You don't want people to have to reach over three different trays of food to reach the napkins! Here are some tools I like:
- I bought a birch Lazy Susan table from Ikea for under $15. This is SUCH a great tool for condiments! People can spin the table, grab what they want, and it doesn't take up much space. It looks neater and helps people get what they need without reaching over all the food.
- Cupcake stands are a nice way to save space. You can buy these especially cheap at craft stores using coupons. Remember, Michaels always has a 20% off code!
USE WHAT YOU HAVE
I love using baby food jars or leftover tupperware to serve sauces and toppings. Wrap a cute ribbon around them, put a label on or next to them, and there you go.
I save and re-use plastic baby food containers (the Walmart brand). I LOVE THEM because they are like tiny tupperware. For my potato bar, I prepared the toppings ahead of time, stacked them in the fridge, then pulled them out when it was time to start the party. I also use colorful baby spoons because they are the perfect serving spoon size.
SERVING PLATTERS, PLATES AND DISHES
The dishes you use to display your food can really make a statement at a gathering. The good news? There are TONS of ways to get inexpensive platters and dishes! Thrift stores, dollar store, Target, Walmart, clearance, and even getting creative and making some yourself. I've even made a stand out of dollar store items and glue! You can get TONS of DIY project ideas from Pinterest.
We got a tiered stand as a wedding gift and have used it probably a million and one times. Buy a functional piece for a good deal, and you will use it over and over! This rectangular serving stand looks like it would be perfect for so many types of parties! Great investment!
STORAGE TOOLS
My MIL bought me an amazing picnic caddy from Costco one year and I use it for EVERY SINGLE gathering we have. I love it because it avoids having to stack things (plates, napkins, silverware), keeps things neat and organized, and takes up little counter or table space.
I absolutely LOVE my center-folding plastic table I got at Costco. They sell them online for a little under $90, but I'm pretty sure I got mine for much less in the store…maybe $50 or $60?
Costco's plastic utensils are THE BEST. They are so sturdy, I actually toss them in the dishwasher and use them again! But, if I'm outside (like at a family reunion or picnic) then we can toss them, guilt free. They always have coupons for them too, so stock up when they go on sale.
PARTY DRINK IDEAS
You know we're all about the food, but don't forget about the drinks!
DRESS YOUR WATER UP
Rather than serving fancy, expensive drinks, give your water a face-lift! Slice up fruit to make flavored water. Put your water in a cute pitcher. Dress it up with fancy ice cubes. All easy ways to serve a nice drink…for cheap or free. Ikea has great ice cube trays for cheap. The black tray is really cool because it creates ice cube rods that you can put in water bottles! You can make a neat display out of these for people to put in their cups.
Take fruit that is bruised or on it's way out, and freeze it. When it's time for a party, break up the fruit and freeze it in your ice cubes. How fancy is that?! I prefer serving my water in a large dispenser so I don't have to keep filling it up throughout the party. I shopped around for one for a year or two, then finally settled on a $17.99 pitcher from Costco that has been fabulous.
SERVING SODA
When I want to serve something other than water, I often go the easy route and buy a case of water bottles or serve soda in the can. I keep my eye on soda all year and stock up when it goes on sale. Mix a clear soda with some Crystal Light and you have a delicious party punch everyone will love!
So there you go! Wow, this was the longest post ever. Hopefully now you have all the tools you need to have LOTS of gatherings this year… on the cheap. Remember, even the cheapest and simplest meals can make for an unforgettable party with a little creativity and a lot of love.
*Don't forget to check out my Studio 5 segment for details about feeding a crowd!
STAY ON BUDGET WITH BUDGET BOOT CAMP!
If you're new here, welcome! You can get all budgeting and finance tips, and my secret sauce in my fun-to-watch video program Budget Boot Camp!
You have nothing to lose because if you don't save or earn at LEAST what you paid for it, I'll give your money back. So use the code FCFBLOG at checkout to get an extra 10% off, and give it a try!
WHEW, well there you have it! All of my best tips, tricks and cheap party food ideas. What's your go-to party food when you have people over? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for more great ideas?
- If you loved these party food ideas, then you definitely want to check out these cheap and fun party ideas to throw with friends!
- Don't throw that leftover party food out! Use these creative ideas to reuse it.
- We've got some great birthday party ideas, too!
Hope you enjoyed these fun and cheap party food ideas! Happy partying 🙂
Source: https://funcheaporfree.com/tv-segment-feeding-crowd-on-cheap-party/
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