To not do food for party

[ttctimeforme]

If you went to an party in the evening at a venue, around 7:30pm onwards.. would you expect food to be provided?

Just make it clear ‘drinks party’ I have been to loads. Crisps and nuts and drinks all good usually starts at 8pm

You can’t avoid food AND drinks!!! Just don’t bother - it’s really rude

I agree. Cheapskates

We were asked to a party where there was no food provided. Apparently the venue's catering was too expensive and they didn't allow outside caterers. So the hosts decided that everyone would have eaten at home before they went. In reality at any given time groups of people were disappearing off to the nearby chippy and eating in the car park.

Just call it a drinks and nibbles party. Buy some big packs of crisps and dips, some cakes and maybe a cheese board with crackers. Job done.

I should also add it was a pay bar, so basically the hosts had just hired a room which had no atmosphere.

I would expect food at a party no matter what time it was.

The sandwiches and wraps from M&S would be perfect. Just get some large bags of crisps/snacks and some tubs of their chocolate mini rolls and you’re set.

this is kinda odd. You’re hosting a surprise party for 30-40 people and intended to provide neither food not drink? You were literally just booking a Venue and that’s it? And when pushed thought about giving folks donuts to eat?

do you know go to many parties op? Have you ever been to one? That has to be the laziest ass cheapest party I’ve ever heard of.

Totally agree Auld ... how can the OP organise a 'party' where there is no food and you have to buy your own drinks? . I expect the person who is being 'surprised' would be mortified if they knew this was the plan.

Funny, because I have never been invited to a party or a wedding where anyone was expected to pay for their own drinks. Likewise, nobody has ever paid for drinks at any of my parties and events (including my wedding)

I know it does happen, but not in my circles.

So then, donuts and buy your own drinks.

I don't think a career in events planning is on the horizon for you OP.

Get a burger van to drive up and park outside!

I also wondered about guests bringing in food, but you need to minimise mess, so I think just simple plates of wraps/sandwiches and crisps is probably easier. Don't forget to buy paper plates and napkins.

Most people don't like to eat a heavy meal before going to a party, not just because they expect food, but find drinking after a heavy meal not very enjoyable.

Obviously you will have to clear up afterwards, so take some refuse sacks as well.

Funny, because I have never been invited to a party or a wedding where anyone was expected to pay for their own drinks.

At every event where there is a pay bar we have always bought our own drinks. It is the norm. We don't have immensely wealthy friends and family.

If you just say it’s drinks and save room for dessert as there will be sweet treats available to eat hopefully people will get the idea to eat their main meal first.

If you're not going to do food it's fine as long as you make it clear in the invite so people can make sure they eat beforehand.

I’ve been to a party where I’ve had to buy my own drinks and there’s just been cakes provided, no food. It was lovely.

Sorry I haven't read your full thread. When inviting people just say 'there will be drinks and nibbles' that will let people know to have their dinner before going.

I am having a small family party for DH next week, I have specified it is for 'Tea and Cake' so that people know what to expect.

I'd just do the classic cold food... Baguette, salads, potato salad, hams, salamis, bread sticks, dips, bowl of salad, crisps, nachos etc - repeat on loop to cover long table.

You mentioned a friend that could bring it over for you?

I'm not sure what the Morrisons deal is, but you definitely don't want to be cooking 100 sausage rolls.

If going for pizza, order all earlier - yes it will be cold, but arrange the length of the table with dips and sides as above.

But presumably it would have been even lovelier with food and drink provided by the host? Don't try to pretend that would have ruined it for you, I'll know you're telling porkies 😁

Well yes that would have been very much appreciated and lovely but it would have been very expensive for her, hundreds of pounds on a birthday party? People who do that must be made of money, I don’t move in that kind of circle so don’t expect that from my friends. For my birthday I invited friends out for a meal but thankfully they didn’t expect me to pay for them all!

If I had to shell out hundreds of pounds to get friends to come out and celebrate my birthday then I’d be asking myself if they were really my friends. If anything your friends should be paying for you on your birthday surely?

Go to tesco and buy 40 meal deals or 30 meal deals of varying sandwich types and pizza delivery and a selection of puddings. Paper plates and bowls

Good to hear you have accepted the need to supply food. And you don’t get to tell people to stop replying.

Exactly