If You Were Throwing a Big Party...

[AmyBoz]

...would you prepare the food yourself or would you buy it?

Generally, I'm a frugal gal and like to make stuff myself, but when I'm entertaining, I like to do as little work as possible. So, I'm a buyer when entertaining. That way there are no cooking dishes to clean before the part or after. Everything is disposable and I can just enjoy the party without being too tired from the preparations and without stressing about the clean-up afterward.

[Sara]

I do a combination of making things myself and buying. I've had some pretty large parties and it's much easier to purchase many foods and relax than working my butt off right before and during a party.

Cleanup is tough enough. It's worth the extra money spent to me.

[dwallyfam]

I tend to be a do it myself person. But I do a lot of things that can be made in advance and reheated. I also tend to lean towards the potluck, where I make a couple of dishes and have everyone else bring things.

Kellie

[Darlene]

I always menu plan using dishes I can make ahead of time. :)

[baxjul]

We used to have a July 4th party in PA that included about 50 people, I always made everything, and had some of the people bring stuff. We always had clams, smoked turkey, deep fried turkey, and various salads and desserts.

[Sara]

I'm embarrassed to say that I've even purchased meat and cheese platters and bought rolls and even canopy tents. lol

We're having Miranda's baptismal and I'm sure we'll do a combo of making and buying, but only because I have help. Thankfully, it's not at our house. I know that sounds bad, but really I'm glad about it.

Typical party here at our home and I wouldn't have a lot of help and sincerely could not enjoy myself if I was all worked up just trying to prepare, setup, and clean up food. My mind would be so focused on just food and exhausted at cleanup time, there is just no possible way I could enjoy myself. And that's just the food aspect of it.

I guess it depends on how many people too. If it were just 6-10, I would feel differently than 25-50+.

I do enjoy grilling for a large party and have setup things like a shish kabob buffet where each person assembles their own fixin's. That's a fun way to get one on one time with people as they wait for their food to grill.

My frugality tends to be in different areas and not every area.

I'm sure for many it's sorta like what's the big deal to prep the food and cleanup? I think it has something to do with personalities. lol

[PrairieRose]

I usually do it myself but work hard to do it ahead of time so I can enjoy the day and event. I'm thinking of having a big party in August for my ddad and dmom, sort of an anniversary and birthday party dual bash.

[AirForceWife]

I do a combination of both, too. Stuff I can make ahead I make ahead. Other stuff I will get prepared. I tend with gatherings to be very bad with the enviromental thing, I premake things, but it's in a disposable pan so I can collapse when it's all done.... Plus I tend to get agitated when guests try to "help" clean up. So If there are no dishes to clean, there is no issue! LOL

~~Lynn~~

[Michelle]

I usually do it all myself, but I think this year I will be relying on more store-bought items. I hate having to rush around and do it all myself (Christmas party) along with the cleanup. It's always stressful, and so much work. I think I'll be making a trip to Costco this week lol