Break down of potential costs:
Buns (6 x 1.50) = 9
Hamburger = 10
Hotdogs = 10
Conidements = 10
Potato Salad = 5
Baked beans = 4
Chips = 10
Paper ware = 10
That is only $68.00, compares to $160.00.
It is always cheaper to do it yourself but it depends on what your time is worth.
Personally, I always do a pot luck for parties. It makes for a great variety of food and no one is stuck footing the bill for everything. Just tell people what you need; someone brings buns, someone brings tossed salad, someone brings potato salad, everyone brings their own beverages, you supply the meats/paper plates, etc.
buy groceries.
I'm having a pool party, and I can't decide if it's cheaper to buy food at the store and cook it, or have it catered.
I will plan for 20 people. I expect more, but don't expect all to eat.
For 7.79 per person I can get 2 BBQ meats (probably go with 1/4 chicken and shredded beef), 3 sides (likely baked beans, potato salad and mac and cheese. Plus I'll make corn on the cob or another side myself) as well as dinner rolls or sandwich buns, supply of sweet/un-sweet tea, cups and ice, choice of sauce, paper products, tablecloths, eating and serving utensils and condiments. All packaged buffet style and ready to go. =~160.00
Or I can go to the grocery store, buy enough ground beef and hot dogs for all 20 people, all the toppings and coniments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, tomato, lettuce, onion, etc.) buns, packaged sides of potato salad, cans of baked beans, tons of chips, etc, and then grill out that day at the pool. = Who knows how much?
What would you do? :) Thanks!
