What's the approximate cost of throwing a small house party?

Question

I'm looking to throw a '80s-themed housewarming party for about 25 or so guests. What things should I factor in, and about how much would it cost? I'm going to make it BYOB to save costs, and possibly even potluck.

And in case you haven't guessed, I'm on a budget!

Answer 1

If you are telling people it's BYOB and potluck, ask people to bring either a sweet or a savory finger food type thing - be specific about which one. and a good hostess is always prepared for the just in case...

$20 fresh flowers
$10 paper napkins, plates, cups
$5 bags of ice
$20 a few beers and a bottle of liquor for yourslef and those who forget.
$10 ingredients for a big pan of baked ziti with cheese and sauce for those who are really hungry
$15 ingredients for a big garden salad
$5 extra toilet paper and paper towel
total: $85
add and subtract as wanted!

fun music (have your friends bring some too - and folding chairs if they have them!), lit candles and good lighting, a clean bathroom and empty garbage cans... priceless.

I forgot about the 80s theme:
$10 flourescent colored streamers and balloons.
$10 a game of Twister if you have the room

play 80s movies in the backround on your tv

i tend to think that as long as people are dressed to impress and the music is 80s fabulous - the theme is pretty set.

have fun!

Answer 2

BYOB is a tough one when it comes to parties. If I were you, I'd supply the alcohol. It isn't that expensive if you are only expecting 15-20 people. The alcohol alone should only cost about 75 bucks, for beer. make sure you've got 80's music, of course. I'm sure you're prepared for that. Also, a nice touch would be an awesome 80's tv show on, my favorite being the Cosby show. If you were going to have people bring something, I would have them bring any kind of food. Don't forget the garbage bags and paper towels, keys to any party. My guestimate, around $150. People are always willing to shell out some money too. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi, I hope you have fun at your party. Entertaining is expensive -- I thought the estimates people have posted were too low for 25 people. I would count on about $15 to 20 per person, or $375 to $500. And that's not a fancy party -- it's just that every little thing adds up -- food, soda, alcohol, paper goods, etc.

I am a firm believer that if you are going to host a party, you should provide everything and ask your guests to bring only themselves. If this is not possible for your budget, then postpone the party and have it when you can spare the cash. It's much more classy to truly be the host.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Here is what I do. I have theme parties all the time and im very limited to my budget thus the house party vs. club. I have some very cheap frames that I made by myself and I choose graphics that are to the theme.i.e. boy george. If you have online music through your computer i would choose rapsidy for the music because it will dj all your favorite 80's tunes. Have some really outdated jewerly or clothing from the era from a salvation army. Its hallarious to see people dressing up. I went a step further and have an arcade/jukebox that I play pacman on. Its really fun! I am a marketing manager for a company and so im probably a little more eccentric. I even have a flat screen in my bathroom that will play youtube videos of commercials from the 80's. Everyone comes out laughing their *** off.

Answer 5

it all depends on your age. I am 23 and if i had 25 of my friends over it would cost about 450 dollars. I would provide alcohol though. If its BYOB you can chop it down to 250. We drink alot when we party though. blow 100 on food. you can get two sandwich platters for about 30 bucks a piece and a cheese and meat platter for 30 bucks as well. (Giant Eagle Prices). Ice, decor, cups, plates, drinks, etc, another 30 bucks. Anything else to trick out your 80's theme party- outfit etc another 50 bucks. Im sure people will bring small stuff to add. You should maybe think of some sort of game to play, something you played in the 80's song guessing game, i dont know, get things hoppin.

Answer 6

if you make it potluck, be sure to factor in some kind of meat- so you are sure to have it at your party- often potluck parties end up without a meat dish if it is not provided. personally, i would go with baked chicken because it is so simple and time efficient.

other than that, i would just have music (you will definately need a disco ball for an 80's party!) and maybe some kind of entertainment- although that is optional. the best thing you can do is to have everyone come with "big" hair and a bottle of booze, with a covered dish... you should provide the mixers for the drinks as well.

Answer 7

For your own house? Potluck and BYOB is fine, but as the hostess you really should provide some of it. Factor in maybe one big dish, some appetizers, some decorations, paper plates and cups (or a big bottle of dishwasher detergent!), and several large bags of ice, and coolers if you don't have enough of them. Depending on the food and decorations, you could get away with under $100.

Answer 8

foods: chips chicken nuggets fish fingers spring rolls onion rings burgers hot dogs and many more. drinks: fanta 7 up cola pepsi tango squash soft drinks like orange juice dessert: cake cheese cake eclairs ice-cream custard jelly yogurt ect good luck with your party. i hope i helped you