Just Say No To Store-Bought Food Platters

Subtitled: "How To Serve 35 Guests Party Food On A Budget"

I tend to be a bit more generous with my food budget when I am entertaining or serving others. I go to the best supermarket in the area to make sure I am serving the freshest foods. I purchase the best cuts of meat, even asking for the butcher’s advice. I splurge on restaurant-brand condiments instead of store-brand. Presenting the best foods to friends and family doesn't necessarily mean being wasteful.

But, one thing I don't do is buy store-bought food platters anymore. Here's why...

For example, I was recently granted the task of serving lunch to a cast of 35 teenage actors and stage crew.

Since my children's reputation among their peers was at risk (I realize this sounds dramatic, but they're tweens), I wanted to give them the best that I could -- at the price of $5 or less a head, which is what each child paid.

After scouring the sale ads at the best store in the area, I put together a lunch menu that I knew would make everyone happy. Here's what I bought...

I purchased freshly cooked chicken poppers and sweet Hawaiian Rolls. Plus, I found Famous Amos cookies and Apple Juice on sale.

I still had enough money left over for an elaborate vegetable tray. However, I did not have it in me to pay $49 for a vegetable tray that I knew did not have $49 worth of food on it. Therefore, what I did was spend $26 on vegetables and a disposable aluminum tray, and I made my own vegetable tray. The best part: It had twice as many veggies as the store-made platter had on it, and at half the cost!

Everyone was happy, and there was quite a bit of money left over to add to the goodies at the cast party.