Party

Wow 40 people?? We usually have small parties for our kids, but if I were to have a big one, (I am thinking that not all are friends, there is family too?), I would have any close family members help and bring in some food..Because for one, I don't think we would have the funds to throw a party of that size and for two, that is a lot of cooking..The most I have thrown a party for was probably about 15 and that is on the high side..

My family has always cooked its own food for parties and gatherings. I have three aunties so there's always plenty of food. Each aunty has a specialty that they always make for example one aunty always does garlic potatoes and crunchy noodle salad, my mother always makes potato salad and vegetable bake and my other aunt always makes beautiful spaghetti bolognaise. After they've made their usual dishes they'll discuss what else they'll need to cook. Sometimes things are bought but usually this is stuff like roast chickens or ham.

I prefer to cook for myself. It just seems more personal when you do your own cooking. Sometimes I'm just not up for it though and have to resort to purchasing pre-made or catered food.

We have a big bbq when we have a party. Some people help us out by bringing drinks and snacks like chips, cookies, or they bring a side dish like potato salad, or baked beans. i've never had anything catered. we really enjoy cooking for everyone. good luck at your party let us know how it goes.

When I hostess a party or a gathering I usually do it banquet style, where just about everyone brings a dish to pass. Unless its a birthday party for the kids, then I do most of it myself, only asking family to bring drinks, chips or something along that line. I've never had anything catered, I love to cook and bake too much to allow someone else to do it all!! And almost always, unless asked not to) I will bring a dish to pass when attending a party. It serves as part of my gift to the celebration occasion.

We always have a big cook-out for our boys birthday. Because there are only 1year,1week and 1day apart it is done togeather on the weekend in between their birthdays. We get out the grill and while my husband grills all kinds of meat, i cook the vegtables and whatever else we will have. Their sisters (both grown with children of their own) will help me and it is usually fun for everybody.