Last year for ottos birthday party we invited all of our family and friends over to celebrate his first year of life. It had been a beautiful yet tumultuous year and we were thrilled to celebrate Otto but also those who held us close during those hard days. That party ended up being over 75 people in attendance and was quite the back yard celebration. Thank goodness we had a beautiful night for it! This year we opted for something smaller and kept it to just family and that still had us at 30 people.
This year though, I wanted to spend more time actually enjoying the party. I have a tendency to go overboard which usually keeps me in the kitchen rather than actually spending time with my guests. We live in an area so rich in amazing local businesses that I let them do the work for me. I headed to my local Gordon Food Service Store and picked up fresh and local supplies that I didn’t have to slave all day making. Click here for a $5 off coupon to help your shopping.
When I checked out I couldn’t believe that my total was under $200! I was feeding 30 people! I double checked my items and quantities and estimations and it was right. I thought what a great idea to share what I served to feed all 30 people with that price. I wrote out a detailed list of the quantities I purchased for 24 adults and 6 kids. Sometimes I feel like figuring out the amounts is the most difficult part aside from deciding what to serve.
When serving dinner I like to have one protein main and since this was a large group and we just got a new smoker I bought a 16lb brisket. I gave it a good seasoning of rub and let Joe be in charge of the rest. I did not want to be responsible for guarding the meat as well as getting all the party decor and food in place. Joe took his responsibility seriously and made one of the best briskets I’ve ever had! Even otto walked up to the table and grabbed a slice to munch on.
Below is my shopping list and a breakdown of quantity and prices from shopping at my new Gordon Food Service Store on Michigan St. Click here for coupon!
The best part? I was able to pick up everything I needed for my large party and smaller quantities for Joe, Otto and I for dinner that night. They have the best deli case with all sorts of dinner options available. My favorite thing to take home are the salmon burgers. They just taste like summer to me. Anyway, grocery list below.
My biggest tip pre party is the morning of get all of your serving dishes ready. That way when the guests arrive all you have to do is plate it up and serve. I lay everything out on the counter and put a post it note on each dish so I know exactly where each item goes. Also, if someone jumps in to help you in the kitchen they know what your plan is for saving food and you are not scrambling around at the last minute to find a spare bowl.
