2010 $20 dinner party challenge?

**ml2620** · 12-30-2009, 07:22 AM

DH and I would like to entertain more in 2010, but it sure can get pricey.

You were all so helpful when I was throwing (literally throwing) a memorial day BBQ together last year, I thought it might be fun to have a $20 dinner party challenge and keep all the entertaining on a budget tips in one place

Would anyone be interested in a $20 dinner party challenge?

What do you think would be a reasonable guideline? Is $20 too much?
I was thinking at least 2 guests + your household, and you have to serve a meal and a dessert.

If we all post our menu's, amount spent and how it went, I think it could be a great resource for all of us.

**Josephhgoins** · 12-30-2009, 07:54 AM

I'm in. I don't think $20 will be that hard.

Full Discolsure... my household is me and my cat.

duva1080 · 12-30-2009, 08:17 AM

This could be interesting. Having a one stop for all your party planning needs...

**shoiji** · 12-30-2009, 12:56 PM

Sounds pretty easy since it is only me here and I really do not have any problem with serving whatever I have on hand.

Tuesday I will have two people over for some mac and cheese with ham, steamed kale and fruit salad. All I need to do is buy the ham for the meal. And yes, everything is under $20 for the three of us. Now if I had a family of 4 and 4 more people were coming over, well, then things would get really interesting.

So maybe I will join the challenge however make my total for the meal $10 since it is only me and the cat. However, she does enjoy a sampling of whatever I make.

**pollypurebred39** · 12-30-2009, 01:23 PM

I'm in, however I'll be shooting for around $10 for most dinner parties.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-30-2009, 01:38 PM

We regularly have another couple over for dinner and a game. Some of our recent menus:

Corned beef (5.86 for ~4lbs) turnips and carrots from garden, potatoes (under 2.00), cabbage (under 2.00) and bread (1.99). Total ~$12 and it fed 4 with 2nd helpings and leftovers.

I have also cooked the corned beef and made reuben sandwiches with a .69 can of sauerkraut, a 1.99 loaf of rye, 3.00 worth of swiss cheese, and homemade dressing from ketchup and pickle relish. Again, ~12.

Pork loin (~3lbs @.88c/lb), baked brown rice (under 1.00) and a caesar salad kit (~2.00). Total ~5.00 and it served 4 with a little left over. Sometimes I can get the tenderloins @ markdown price of 3.99 ea and I do those instead.

Turkey breast medallions wrapped in bacon (sale @ 1.00 ea) with rice (under 1.00) and vegetable of the week (ie broccoli 1.99 head)

I can also occasionally get cubed steak, and beef medallions (not filet) for $1 each at our store, and I stock up.

I don't usually serve dessert, guests typically ask what they can bring and I let them do that. But for the prices you see above I would have plenty left in the $20 for a cheesecake mix (~$2) or some homemade custard (milk+ eggs) or whatever.