Party Recipes & Ideas Blog

Picnic Party Food Ideas

Planning to fill the backyard with picnic guests? Tis the season for picnics and outdoor parties. Here’s lots of ideas for when you’re serving 25, 50, 100 or more - out there:

What’s On Your Menu?. We love BBQ, burgers and dogs as much as the next picnicer - but there’s no need to stop there. Plan the Menu you really want, including seafoods, casseroles, fresh fruits, veggies, and wonderful Chocolate Desserts!

Beyond Your Backyard. Cook here, picnic there? Follow our tips in Party Kitchen to picnic in the park, or out in TimBuckToo.

Keep Cold Foods Cold. Party Coolers keeps it all cool, including you! Follow these simple guidelines to keep the chill on the chilled.

Keep Hot Foods Hot. Food Warmers are easy to use, rentable, inexpensive to buy, and even disposable. And they work to give you all the food-serving options out there.

Outdoor Wedding Receptions. After using our Reception Planner, follow the basics in Party Planner to the outdoors.

Picnic Pals Forever! Ask us any picnic party food idea question. Ask-a-Caterer is a free service you can use for a question on two. Or, you can buy our Planning Service for $99 and we’ll do all the planning, shopping lists, (everything you’ll need,) and consult with you on the phone each step of the way.

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Can I Cater My Own Wedding?

We get this question more and more as finances tighten. We’re hearing it both from couples and from families who want to help out. The answer is usually yes, but it depends...:

It takes a family to do a reception. Even for a handful of guests, you can’t pull this off alone. Family and friends need to help out, giving you a truly substantial wedding gift - the gift of self. Follow this guide to see what their jobs will be, and if you need a pro.

Who’s in the kitchen? You’ll need one person to be the manager, the key player of your reception. Read more about the Kitchen Manager’s role, which includes bringing eveything together on the big day. The idea is that the couple will absolutely do lots of work before - but not on your wedding day itself. When you arrive at your reception, you are the guests of honor, and the Kitchen Manager runs the show.

Menu Rules. No, we mean ‘the menu rules.’ Choose your menu wisely and things will go smoothly. Here are some ideas that we know will work. Look for foods that can be made ahead of time and then easily served.

Prep, prep, prep. Planning and preparation is the secret. Do as much ahead of time as possible, then present what you’ve prepared at the reception.

Would you like cake? Many couples choose to have their cake professionally done. Or, you may have a pal who will help you with this, or, you can make your own wedding cake. The pros usually charge per person, often $3 or more, with minimums, charges for delivery, etc. You can make your own for under $100.

Keep it cool. With all the money you’re saving, use some of it for beautiful decorations, table coverings, placesettings, centerpieces and much more. Click here for a wonderful site that will show you everything.

Who ya gonna call? That's where we come in. Ask-a-Caterer is a free service you can use for a question on two. Or, you can buy our Planning Service for $99 and we’ll do all the planning, shopping lists, (everything you’ll need,) and consult with you on the phone every step of the way.

If it makes you stronger. Cater your own wedding to build your marriage. That's what it's all about, right. Sure, we’d all want Chef Pierre from The Regency to do his magic at our reception for $250 a plate, if we could afford it... But instead, pocket the difference and kick off this marriage with some real savings (usually around 75%,) and great memories, then call Pierre for your 50th Anniversary party!

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Birthday Party Food for Kids

Birthday Party Food for Kids - party food ideas - step by step photo recipes for kid’s party food – easy party recipes when you’re cooking for a crowd.

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Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a crowd? There's lots of party recipes out there, but how do I get it done, in my little kitchen...?

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Crab Cakes - March Featured Appetizer - Party Food Ideas!

Party Recipes and Ideas Crab Cakes Recipe is our delicious way to welcome Spring. This recipe has been passed down in our family, and is sure to please.

Moist, bite-size and yummy! Your guests will just love them.

The Recipe and Shopping List are for 50 people, but you can scale it up or down as you need.

Photo, step-by-step directions save time and money. Party planning and prep made easy.

Use Ask-a-Caterer to get a same-day personal response to your questions and for more party food ideas! Always free, and fast!

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Party Food Ideas for the 2010 Economy

Party Food Ideas – Save Money with recession party ideas, easy and inexpensive step by step photo recipes, cheap cooking for a crowd.

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Birthday Party Food Ideas – Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Party Food Ideas - step by step photo recipes for adults – easy party recipes when you’re cooking for a crowd.

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Party Food Planner for the Perfect Party!

Party Food Planner has the recipes and tools to organize a great party, including how much to prepare and serve, sample menus, catering and shopping tips.

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Planning Service for Party Food Menu Planning

Professional Planning Service for party food, parties large and small, personalized menu design, unlimited email support, phone support

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Here's Catering 101 for Catering Your Own Party

Catering your own party? Read Catering 101! Learn how the pros do it – save time and lots of money!

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Ask a Caterer - we'll help and it's free!

Need an idea for your party?