Kitchen

[AnneMary]

There's a lot of great hints and ideas posted here. We've all been thru something like this and have learned about some of this stuff the hard way!

One big family and extended family and boyfriends, etc. we did was the simplest and easiest of all. As the numbers of guests seemed to grow and grow (beforehand, that is), we all decided to cut out the burgers and just do hot doge. And I'm here to tell you, everyone absolutely loved it!! All the dogs came from Costco. Their hot dogs are not only bigger, but they are much tastier than the run of the mill ones. AND we also bought Costco's Polish Sausage Dogs. They were the hit of the party......no kidding! Half the folks hadn't even eaten Costco's hot dogs, and more than that had never had the Polish. They went crazy over them. It made it so easy for us because the fixings and go alongs were easy.

We had two adults who didn't like hot dogs, but the Polish they fell in love with! We had it outside....the weather cooperated.....it was fun. We had potatoe chips and dips, which the younger kids and teens really liked, plus tons of deviled eggs.......tons! Plus beans in crock pots, potato salad, a pasta salad, and I can't remember what all. My mother always told me, plan big. You never want to run out of or get short on food. She was right. Like someone mentioned below.....we did pop in a cooler with ice.....no beer or wine, etc. at all. And someone brought a big juice cooler w/spout full of a delicious reddish punch, and the cups. It was perfect. The party was a smashing success. and we heard about the hot dogs, especially the Polish ones from folks for months afterwards. You know the saying: sometimes SIMPLE is the best. And it really is. Oh yes, there were brownies and cupcakes for desert. Again, simple, but everyone loved them.

Hope yours is a great party too. Be sure to write us back later and let us know how it went off!!

[sidsmom]

I used to plan work parties for 100+ for holiday luncheons....and I always learned the hard way after the fact! Lots of good ideas. Grills...I would have at least 2 going. As for the sides...maybe "build" everyone's plate with the basics (ie chips, pickles, salad) while inside, then they would take the plate outside to the grill. Yes, there might be food wasted, but the "flow" of guest traffic would be better. TONS of ice chests & drinks scattered in different parts of your eating area. Also consider several condiment bars scattered throughout the location, as well. In fact, I would plan it like having "2-3 different parties" in the location to prevent backlog. Several bathrooms are needed...especially with the kids. Guaranteed that 1-2 kids/adults will get sick, 1-2 kids will scrape something, toilet will get slow/clogged, smokers?..something will get burned, a plate of something will fall on your carpet somewhere....lots of "what-if's"....but I don't want it to sound like I'm a 'negative Nelly'! Have fun planning it...come back here with more questions....we always have lots of ideas!!

[Mominohio]

You are getting some really great tips here. Let me offer up seating and table issues. Many of your guests will be able to balance and eat on their lap, on a step outside or sitting on the lawn if the weather is nice. But don't forget those that are elderly or have other physical issues and will need and actual chair and table to sit at. Perhaps you are planning seating outdoors for everyone, but if not, please consider having some tables and chairs for those who won't be able to balance and eat.

[CookyJ]

I've hosted many children's parties over the years and I have found spills always happen so be prepared. Have numerous rolls of paper towels stashed around the area and if you have carpeting indoors have your clean up supplies at the area. Also have a generous supply of toilet tissue on display in each bathroom so no one has to hunt for it. You have received lots of good advice.....enjoy your party.....I am sure your guests will!

[Mtnbikegirl]

Don't worry 60 people isn't too bad. I've done that many times throughout the years.

I always have the food inside because I don't want the sun/bugs to ruin it.

Setting up a few tables/chairs inside is helpful even if it's nice outside. Some people like to take a break from the sun/people/chatter. I always find people eating inside.

I buy the large tubs from the hardware store and throw all the soft drinks in one, and the beer in another- loaded with lots of ice. I keep the "hard liquor" inside on the counter.

I always set up the coffee/tea station before guests arrive. This way it's all ready to go when we are ready for it.

Covering the tables with butcher's white paper has worked so well. Equipped with crayons/markers/colored pencils.

You said 20 kids? Did you ever do "pie in the face" game? It's so much fun!! I would get a piece of plywood and paint it in the theme of the party. Then my husband would cut out a hole for the "victim's face." You can use a giant cardboard box too. Give each kid a small paper plate with whipped topping and they stand in line a few feet away and throw! Give the "victim" a shower cap. Then the kids can jump in the pool/sprinkler!

I would buy more than enough hamburgers/hot dogs because you can always freeze whatever you don't cook. It's horrible to have to run out in the middle of the party. I hate having to run to the bakery during the party, but who can fit a giant whipped cream cake in the fridge with all the other food? Not me.

I've rented a hot dog cart before to cut down on the cooking. Costco sells the little cobs of corn in the freezer section. That is always a hit.

Now I want to plan a big party. It's so much fun!! Enjoy your day!!

[qualitygal]

If you can keep it outside, the kids can run around and don't have to walk, they can be loud outside and MOVE. Do it outside and save the house. Famous last words, LOL.

Let me add, if you use the white shelf paper in huge rolls as table covers, the kids can use crayons and create pictures and their own places at the table. At the end, roll it up and pitch it. spills, no problem!! And those big old wash metal tubs filled with ice makes its easier for everyone to open beverages. Have good size lined trash cans too. Even a can for recyclables, don't forget about feeding "non meat" people. Lots of finger foods, serving utencils, paper products.

[LoLa]

I always have THIS handy little guide on hand for parties. I hope it helps you.

Have a great cook-out!

LoLa

[jackthebear]

I would keep all the food/drinks outside, otherwise you have peeps running in and out leaving your door open all the time. However Memorial Day has historical been lousy here in the NE.

One thing I will recommend is big bottles of soda/juice as my experience is that the individual cans just get put down half used and people leave them and get new

That is wasteful and more clean up for you. Give plastic cups and a sharpie for names.

[circles]

On 5/18/2014 mominohio said:

You are getting some really great tips here. Let me offer up seating and table issues. Many of your guests will be able to balance and eat on their lap, on a step outside or sitting on the lawn if the weather is nice. But don't forget those that are elderly or have other physical issues and will need and actual chair and table to sit at. Perhaps you are planning seating outdoors for everyone, but if not, please consider having some tables and chairs for those who won't be able to balance and eat.

I want to thank you for thinking of people like myself....I am 72 and have back and knee issues....standing while balancing food and drink would be very difficult for me...good reminder for the OP and others who plan parties....

[circles]

I have never hosted a party so large...so here is some things you might want to do...rent a large canopy for those that can't take the heat but want to stay outdoors...might come in handy if it starts to rain....

While at the renter center...you can, also, get lots of chairs so anyone who wants to sit will have someplace to do so...

Possibly rent some port-o-potties...unless you have lots of them in your home....all it takes is one or two people who are sick...or have other "issues" to spend more then a lot of time in the bathroom....while others are waiting to use it....

(I only have one bathroom and when my three grands are here...that problem arises often)

I like what one poster said...just buy hot dogs from Cosco along with those other dogs she suggested....dogs are easy to grill and easy to handle...and you can throw any leftovers in the freezer....they don't take up as much room as do burgers, too...

Good luck...have fun...

Forgot to mention...the small bottles of water another poster mentioned....and they also sell small cans of soda....kids tend to open a drink....set it aside and then grab another...there won't be so much waste with the small cans and bottles....I buy them for my grands....and even those sometimes get wasted....