We have a few tiny tidbits to help you host the perfect party on a budget! Plus there is a hidden gem recipe at the end of this post!
No matter the theme or the purpose, it’s important to make your party all about the person you are throwing it for.
For those of us on a budget, there are so many ways to make the party memorable. One thing people seldom forget about a party is, of course… the FOOD! So choose foods that your honored guest will love! We all remember those “get togethers” where the tuna salad that mom’s cousin brought was the star of the show. But, in our experience, it’s always been the thought people put into the “display” that sets it apart for us! Let’s face it… most of us can make a tuna salad, but not everyone thinks about how that tuna salad should be displayed.
As Party Stylist Professionals, we always strive to provide our clients with the best display of food items as possible. After all, it’s our job to make sure guests are satisfied and our clients are pleased with the display. We are not caterers. Therefore, we cannot technically cook or bake anything in exchange for payment. However, we have found our way around a kitchen a time or two and have found ways around this technicality.
Our friendly neighborhood wholesale grocery store, Costco, is a weekly stop. We have found items there that YOU can quickly put together for an amazing spread. Most of these foods don’t require an oven, a stove or grill. They taste great, and they’re small enough for guests to grab and go. No hovering over the tuna salad here! Get your munchies and move on! We say that in the most loving way 
Tips to Display Party Food
People love food in a cup! Line the table with clear cups of beautiful food. Let the food speak for itself. It will speed up the line & give everyone the perfect serving size!
The more you have to dip that silver spoon into a casserole, the slower the line and the messier the party becomes.
Bruschetta Shots:
Fill clear plastic 4oz cups with a few tablespoons of Bruschetta. Top with 2-3 French Baguette slices.
Voila! They’re pretty and petite! Perfect to pick up and go!
Spinach Artichoke Dip Shots:
Fill clear plastic cups with a few tablespoons of spinach dip, top with 2-3 pita chips.
Brunch in a Cup! Add a variety of fruits or muffin size items.
Fruit, Frittatas & Waffle Cups! Don’t forget the syrup at the bottom of the cup!
Meatballs:
Everyone loves meatballs! You can make these so many different ways. Costco has amazing Asian Polynesian Meatballs in the fresh packaged food section. Add Asian fusion, Italian or a savory sauce to these meatballs. Never buy frozen meatballs!
Skewer 3-4 meatballs with tooth picks!
Roasted Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese:
Roasted Tomato Soup: This recipe is “knock your socks off” good soup created by Karis’ sister-in-law Lindsey Walker who trained as a Chef.
Drizzle olive oil over 10 Cloves of garlic & 1 sliced onion and roast on parchment paper on hi broil for 7-8 minutes until roasted.
In the meantime, add 1 large can of San Marzano peeled tomatoes (after pulsing in food processor) in a large pot. Chop roasted garlic and onion and add to tomato soup. Add salt & pepper to taste. Stir in about heavy cream until Soup is a bright orange color, about a 1/2 Cup. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes.
Make about 4 grilled cheese sandwiches and slice into 4 -2 inch triangles.
Skewer sandwiches and dangle over a party cup to display. Makes 16 servings plus a little extra.
Another few ideas for your back pocket!
Deli Spirals:These are in your freezer section. They are surprisingly delish!
Party Sliders: We personally love these mini burgers. Pork, chicken or beef are all great choices. Don’t forget the pickle on top!
And finally… Tuna Salad!
Turn that tuna salad into a fancy sandwich!
Use a cookie cutter to make themed shapes!
Bon Appetite!
Karis & Jen
