I turned 40 this year and planned to have a delayed party in August after the restrictions are lifted. Just wondering what to do re food. Do people go to a party and expect a full buffet or do you reckon I could get away with just doing nibbly bits?! Any tips for doing things on a budget?!
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I'd suggest a trip to Aldi to see what you can get for your budget as you may be suprised. You could make some veggie nice salads which would look pretty and not cost a huge amount. I like serving new potatoes with butter and herbs as they are filing. Ooh make mini afternoon tea style sandwiches. Everyone loves sausage rolls and they are cheap. Morrisons is usually good for that kinda thing. Limiting meat would generally keep the cost down.
ETA - happy belated 40th!
ETA - happy belated 40th!
Aldi, Iceland and Costco are your friends here!
If it is a party, then at least a finger buffet would be expected. If just drinks, then nibbles/canapes would be acceptable.
If not planning to make anything from scratch, then I agree with the two posters above - ready cooked supermarket foods that can be served cold and some that can be served warm.
I wouldn’t worry about catering a full meal per person just nibbles. But if you are serving booze I would make sure there’s some good stodge especially if it’s an evening event and people won’t be driving. Crisps are a great bulk buy and dips. A cheese board would be good although could be expensive. Iceland or other frozen party platters would be good too. Don’t forget something sweet too! Or maybe you could get your guests to contribute to the dessert table?
Check out if Iceland are still doing the £15 birthday buffet selection. A friend of mine got two for her birthday Feb 2020. Hopefully they still do it ....and it takes the strain away doing stuff from scratch
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Do you have an Italian Deli near you? We have one that is great quality but cheap cost. Get a couple of meats (genoa salami, sopressata, prosciutto), cheeses, a nice focaccia, olives, etc. You could also do a nice quinoa salad. I love cookie and Kate's recipe. If you have a Costco nearby, they do great desserts, salads and party foods too.
I've made pulled pork a few times for gatherings, easy and cost effective but really tasty. Nice big pork shoulder, soft rolls, coleslaw, salad, sauces, pickles etc. Pasta or potato salad, pizzas and quiches are good too, and Iceland is definitely worth a trip for cheap party nibbles 
i would check with the people youre inviting first to see if they are happy with buffet style purely because a few ive spoke to in conversations have said post covid they would be hesisitant on having buffet style food
That's a really good point actually, I hadn't even considered that!
Agree with what most people said so far.
No matter how you decide I strongly suggest to let your guests know so that they can plan ahead accordingly. A friend of my threw a part just before covid and planned out a whole meal buffet with dessert but lots of people thought it was just a drinks party so they ate beforehand
No matter how you decide I strongly suggest to let your guests know so that they can plan ahead accordingly. A friend of my threw a part just before covid and planned out a whole meal buffet with dessert but lots of people thought it was just a drinks party so they ate beforehand