College student planning a very small party--how can I make this cheaper?!
College student planning a very small party--how can I make this cheaper?
Please understand that I'm as cheap as they come. My friends and I have already started talking about actually making our own wine for this. There will only be about 4-10 people present, and we would prefer to spend nothing. I will be spending nearly all my money actually getting there via plane, and if you have any ideas on cheap snacks and/or alcohol (we'd really prefer to not mess with balloon wine again!) we could really use your help!
Answers:
Create a menu and make it a Pot Luck party. place the menu items in a galss fish bowl and have your prosective guests choose what they are to bring or call each of your geusts and ask them which item they would like to bring and cross the item off as it is choosen!
Source(s):
My Mother - El Cheapo Strikes Again!!!
tell them to bring their own beverages
If you're planning to throw this mini party, why don't you tell the friends that are going to bring thier own beer/wine/alcohol....throwing a little pot luck wouldn't hurt. I do it all the time...have one person bring the beer, one person bring the chips and salsa, one person bring something else and so forth...that way, you'll only have to either just provide another snack or buy a bottle of vodka....i was broke too in college.
Three dollars at door or walmart
BYOB it's cheap and you can drink everyone else's expensive booze!
BYOB is the way to go!
You will not be able to take wine on a plane so skip the homemade idea.
Some really cheap buzzes:
MD 20/20 $3.50 per liter....1 1/2 bottles per person.
cheap chinese sake is available in a half gallon pottery jug for about $3.99 each....figure 1 jug per person...(this stuff is vile but goes good with homemade chinese food)
Steele Reserve beer $6.49 per half rack....figure 6 beer per person.
Really cheap party eats:
Chile nachoes. Get an industrial size can of chile $4.99 for a gallon and one of nacho cheese for $8.99. Big bags of nacho chips $1.99 each. Pile chips, chile and cheese on a plate and microwave for 2 mins. Costs about $1.00 per person for all they can stand.
Chinese Buffet:
Cook a bunch of rice. Stir fry a bunch of veggies with a little meat if desired. Add an assortment of frozen Chinese food from the grocers freezer depatment. Serve with blinding hot Chinese Mustard! About $2.00 per person.
Ramen Bar: Chop up a bunch of different veggies, cooked meats, cooked eggs, add canned beets, canned beans, onions bits, all in separate containers like a salad bar. Serve plain cooked ramen noodles and let guests build their own dish. About $1.00 per person
Western Bake: start with a huge can of chile (1 gallon can make 2 western bakes). Dump 1/2 of can into a 9x13 baking pan. Mix 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix as directed on the box and dump a 3/4 inch layer over the top of the chile. Bake for 20 mins or until corn bread is done. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top. About $1.00 per person.
Mexican food is pretty cheap to make. Just some tortillas and vegetables, ground beef or some chicken if you prefer and refried beans are cheap too. Make it a theme party. Make Margaritas or just some cheap red wine,add juice and call it sangria.
or have a big pot of chili, green salad and buns. Then turn on the tube and watch the football game or play some sports trivia game.
make it bring your own...especially for the booze. that way, you only pay for what you drink...and how about making your own pizzas...really cheap...get some canned biscuit, crescent, or bread dough, stretch it out really thin in little individual pizzas, spread with some canned spaghetti or marinara sauce, add some cheese and whatever, bake. if you get the canned sauce with the veggies like mushrooms, and or the meat already in it, even cheaper. have fun.
I'd make a jungle juice punch and dilute slightly from there. it'll get the crowd going.
my jungle juice is a fifth of grain alcohol, one can of fruit cocktail in heavy syrup, and a cheap fruit juice of your choice.
in a large bowl, mix everything together with ice including the bits of fruit from the fruit cocktail.
that's about as cheap to go, and to get the party started.
hungry howies carry out pizza most pizza place have a carry out special usuallly about 6.00 a pizza tell some friends to pick up a pizza have some friends chip in and buy the keg. one to bring ice and cups. easy party no fuss no mess no cooking !
Raid ur parents pantry before you arrive and use their food.
Are you carrying your homemade wine on the plane with you?
I would suggest buying some Riesling wine. It is a little sweet, and not too dry. "Chateau Ste. Michelle" my fav. brand. I make it with chicken dishes...or I would serve some cheese and crackers. Cheers! =o)
