Kitchen

[Ellabella]

In about a month we're having a large outdoor birthday party for our young children. We're grilling burgers and hotdogs for at least 60 people (probably at least 20 children).How do you decide how much food to buy? I'm pretty confident in knowing how much of the side dishes I need, but have no idea how many burgers/ hotdogs to buy. Also, should I have the food inside or out?I was thinking inside because It's much cooler inside, there aren't flies, and I don't mind people being the house. I was thinking of just having the coolers with drinks outside. I'm sure these are things most people know, but I've never done this before. Thanks for any suggestions you might have, I really appreciate it!

[house_cat]

I would plan a burger and a dog for each person attending. You might have children who will only eat one of those and adults who might eat more than that… should balance itself out. You might want to have a little more than that in the fridge just in case you get a ravenous bunch of guests.

Having said that, I always err on the side of too much food. I don't mind leftover burgers and dogs.

[Lacey1]

Wow, that's a lot of people. I don't think I would be able to handle that without help. Besides the food, I would think about parking for everyone, what if the weather gets bad, games for the kids, etc.

What about food besides hot dogs/hamburgers? Side dishes, salads, chips/popcorn.

My DIL hosts big birthday parties for her kids. She's had them at picnic groves, masonic halls. She plans them for a long time. She always has a theme, last one was Star Wars. She made the food match the theme-Yoda Soda, stuff like that. She got pizzas at that one with lots of side dishes.

The picnic parties had a grove, so serving outside was no problem. There was electric for crock pots and coolers for ice. Again, we all brought food so we didn't grill.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll get lots of good ideas.

[lovesrecess]

I think with such a large crowd you will probably have people eating indoors and out.....are you cooking outside? Guests tend to take their food, find a friend and a comfy spot, and park themselves there. With so many small kids, I think most would go outside so I would probably do it all in one spot and then let everyone scatter after they get their food.....hope everyone has a good time!

[mousiegirl]

If you are having tons of sides, then one serving of meat per person will suffice, as they can just eat more sides if they are still hungry. Potato, macaroni and pasta salads are filling, and most people like either or all. You might have macaroni and cheese for the kids, but I wouldn't drive myself nuts as I doubt anyone will leave hungry. A big hit with kids is jello with whipped cream.

[Kjelle]

If parents are staying and may bring older children, here's a tip with drinks. Put all NA bevvies in one color cooler and alcoholic bevvies in another color cooler. You can have drinks stations all over the yard, but if any adult sees an older child anywhere near, say a blue cooler, they can intervene right away. I know that's not really your question, but I thought I'd throw out the tip. I'm sure your party will go well.

[ennui1]

On 5/17/2014 mousiegirl said:

If you are having tons of sides, then one serving of meat per person will suffice, as they can just eat more sides if they are still hungry.

Will there be any men at this party? I've never known any man to be content with one hot dog. Maybe a child would be.

As for 60 people inside -- how are your bathrooms situated? I know it's generous to let guests have the run of the house, but hide your valuables!

[lolakimono]

If you are having 20 children, I would LABEL the foods that you make (or buy) with the ingredients so that they can avoid any allergens. Most likely there will be someone there with an allergy and you don't want to have to keep telling people what's in everything.

You might consider kid friendly items like fruit skewers that they can pick up and eat, instead of having to use utensils.

Kids will leave plates/cups lying around, so you can either have a station with Sharpies so they can write their names, or get single serve pouches (drink boxes, Capri Sun, etc.). If you are going to serve bottled water, get the small bottles for the kids, like these.

You might consider double or triple the amount of plates, cups, napkins, etc. and get lots of the small plates for desserts/appetizers.

My family member hosts with kids and she has a large galvanized tin with sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer/wipes out on the deck.

Set up stations for trash/recycling in multiple locations.

Buy lots of TP and make sure there are extra rolls that are easily accessible stored in the bathroom.

[ahoymate]

Hire a party organizer &/or rent a party tent. 60 people is a lot!! That many people in a house? Do you have a large home with lots of bathrooms? I mean, even if your house ends up a huge mess, do you think others will mind being inside with so many people? I'm claustrophobic just thinking about this

Have fun

[house_cat]

I did exactly what you are doing.. once. I had all my cousins and extended family for a huge barbeque. Lots of them brought dessert - there was so much leftover food it was ridiculous.

I had a very small house on Long Island. There was no way to fit that many people in my house. I had a large backyard and most importantly, I had a rain date. We were lucky and it didn't rain.

We had a bball hoop and lots of things for the little kids, like beach balls, bubbles and hula hoops. If I remember correctly it was the most expensive party we ever threw. I had lists and lists and LISTS of things to do and buy.

If you plan correctly, you'll have a great time, but don't forget to plan on being VERY TIRED the next day.

ETA: one more thing. I know this doesn't sound pretty, but I remember putting a discreet note in the bathroom about not flushing feminine products in the toilet. We had an old house with very delicate plumbing. Something like that could have ruined the party real quickly.