House warming budget challenge!

[sukmon]

I love Chowhound! I respect all the comments posted and heed all advice given. Now I come to a obstacle. I am having a house warming for my friends, about 16 of them. But I need to be on a strict budget. Any easy and affordable party recipes anyone can recommend? Or places where you can suggest to get affordable meats or sweets? I am doing it all myself and on a single gal's budget of $100. Thanks everyone for your help!

Chowhound friend : )

[Captain]

I would copy a dish served at Lederhosen, the party platter. It's just a bunch of sausages, mostly German style, sliced and cooked, then distributed on a plate with German mustard and slices of french bread. The bread you can get anywhere, and the sausages I would probably go to Schaller & Weber on 2nd Ave at 86th.

If you want to serve a white wine, think about ordering a Moscato D'Asti from PJs, way up town. It's my choice for an inexpensive wine to serve at parties, cheap, not that common, enjoyed by most, and it has bubbles.

[sukmon]

wow, you guys are amazing l love all the creative suggestions, especially the german platter idea. Funny I live just 4 blocks from Schaller and Weber. Oh, I was wondering what that affordable cheese place was called. Thank you for that advice too!

sukmon

[erin07nyc]

It's actually called East Village Cheese.

[DarthEater]

EAST VILLAGE CHEESE SHOP on 9th and 3rd ave sells inexpensive cheese and butter.
Buy frozen dumplings at your favorite dumpling shop in chinatown and pan fry it up.
Buy premade wontons at deluxe food center on elizabeth.

I dont know how well you can cook but anything with potatoes, bread and pasta is guarantee to fill on a budget.

[pellegrino31]

Good ideas above. And definitely check out the "home cooking" board on CH. And post there for ideas. This thread should help out: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/443265

When I have friends over I always decide to make a few things and buy the rest. Usually it means buying dessert since it can get expensive/time consuming to make. Hummus and other dips like red pepper spread or eggplant are easy to make and very inexpensive.

Will the $100 include drinks as well, or just food? If it has to include drinks, then definitely head over to Trader Joe's for beer and wine. The selection isn't as extensive as other shops but you will find good options there. I would avoid the urge to buy the really cheap $3-5 bottles of any wine - not drinkable. They have a nice Cotes du Rhone for about $8 and a Oregon Pinot Noir for $10 that is very good.

[sukmon]

Trader Joes is a great idea Pellegrino. I remember they did have affordable liquor there. Thanks for the specific suggestion there. I am taking recipes from the Chowhound board. So, far they are easy to make and very reasonable choices. Thanks!

sukmon

[fooodie]

While you're at Trader Joe's for wine, head next door and pick up some apps. Just about all of them are good... and pretty cheap.

[The Chowhound Team]

Hi All,
Please keep discussion focused on where sukmon can find affodable meats or sweets in the Manhattan area. For recipes, please go to our Home Cooking board.