If you were going to throw a cocktail party, were going to serve appetizers (and that's all) for 25-30 adults.... how much money would you budget for food? I'm thinking 3 hot hors d'ouevres, 2 cold and a salad. I am planning on having 2 vegetarian/vegan options.
I need to give a chef a budget but I really don't know how much this would cost because I don't cook that often.
Also, I don't plan to use fancy meat (like lobster). I do plan to use all (or mostly) organic and the food will probably come from a nicer grocer as opposed to costco or similar....
Anyone have a ballpark or idea?
Thanks in advance!
added:
I'm doing it sort of an odd way in that I am hiring a chef to come to my house and cook it before and during the party. He is going to suggest a menu but I need to have an idea of about how much money (on groceries) I want him to spend. There is a flat fee for the chef and then I pay for the cost of the food....
Why not just ask him to bring some sample menus and prices?
When I got a quote for my wedding 5 years ago, it was around $600. We were doing almost exactly what you planned. That was five years ago. When food was WAY cheaper, and it did not involve organic meats and produce. Also, food is cheaper here then in California. I would assume it would be a lot...I just not sure how much a lot is!!
You are probably going to spend just as much if not more than if you were fixing a meal - appetizers are pretty expensive in my opinion......I would probably budget about $300?? just a guestimate
ETA: - wait, I didn't realize that you were having someone else prepare the food?? Are you doing it yourself or having it catered? Why don't you just ask THEM how much it would cost?? Usually they have a price per person with a minimum number of guests etc.....so you could tell them, I want to spend $10/person or $15/person and then they can come up with a menu.....
All I know is... in my neck of the woods, for a party of 25-30 people... 3 hot hors d'ouevres and 2 cold and 1 salad.... would not be enough.
I would budget $300+ for this.
You have to pay the Chef's fee and plus groceries.
The amount you spend on groceries, WILL depend on the Chef's menu.
And it will also depend, on WHERE this Chef, shops for groceries.
PLUS, you will need to factor in, drinks.
And whatever you will be serving the food on.
You'll want to figure approximately $3.00 per appetizer (figure at least 5 per person since you're not serving any other food other than salad) per person. So, approximately $450-$500.
5 appetizers per person (30x5=150 appetizers)
150x$3.00= $450
$3.00 is a low to average dollar amount for appetizers. I would say that you normally see appetizers range in price from $2.50-$5.00 at most venues. So, adjust accordingly.
To make it easy on yourself, you should add to the appetizers that the chef is making by including something like a pre-cut honey ham that you can buy at the grocery store and just set out on a pretty platter. It will add some 'heftiness' to the meal without adding substantially to the cost.
I agree with @$10 a person.
Don't forget to budget for nice plates and glasses.
this is what I always use for Thanksgiving, Christmas, nice dinner parties. You can sometimes find them at Party Co, Grocery stores, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Materpiece-cant-believe-plastic-Pla...
