Don't forget to make them purchase "bathroom coupons" to use your facilities! And maybe charge for their red solo cup so they won't just toss it away each time. What else can you charge for... parking? Camping chairs? Paper plates? Napkins!! There's a gold mine. $1/napkin for ribs will net you a great profit.

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

No one, rich or poor, should be charging guests at a party they are hosting. Make it a potluck if you can’t afford to provide everything. Or DON’T HOST!

NO. I hope this is a troll.

You are better off serving hot dogs or whatever else you can afford.

Fine to ask local family to bring something to contribute IMO.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

People with “limited means” still have manners. They do a potluck and invite family and friends. Problem solved!

Also, if you have limited means, don't serve crab cakes and brisket. People will be just as happy with hotdogs. The point of these events is to hang out with family and friends.

If you have to choose between cutting your menu or alienating people, you cut your menu.

I think a potluck is the way to go here, OP. For large casual get-togethers it's a great way to spread around the responsibility and the cost.

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

People with “limited means” still have manners. They do a potluck and invite family and friends. Problem solved!

Anonymous wrote:If you can’t afford to throw a party, you don’t throw a party. End of story.

+1

Where do people come up with this stuff? Were they raised in a barn?

OP, we are a civilized culture. There are unspoken social and cultural rules here - you are about to break a ton of them. Do yourself a favor and go out and buy an ettiquette book (preferably an American or European one) - read it - it will be very enlightening.

Anonymous wrote:Set up one of those web pages where people sign up for bringing different dishes or raw ingredients, and also add a mention that people are welcome to contribute some money to help cover costs. (Do not suggest a specific amount. People can figure it out )

Don't instruct or insist.

Don't ask people to contribute AND ask them to bring food! Don't ask them to contribute at all. If they pay $, then they should get to pick what you serve. That's called a restaurant.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You cannot do this.

A single meal at chick fil A now runs almost $15. $15 for an entire family is an extraordinarily good deal, especially for way better food and alcohol. Name a single place in existence you could take a family for $15, stuff your face, and drink almost as much beer as you want.

You simply can't do this and not look totally gouache. It's beyond tacky.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You cannot do this.

A single meal at chick fil A now runs almost $15. $15 for an entire family is an extraordinarily good deal, especially for way better food and alcohol. Name a single place in existence you could take a family for $15, stuff your face, and drink almost as much beer as you want.

If you want to open a cheap restaurant, do it. But don’t throw a party and charge people. That’s crass.

I mean, I guess it's good to let your family know your interactions are transactional. They may appreciate having that information.

Let me guess your in-laws come and raid your pantry because you serve too little or bad food and they are hungry?

If hosting is too expensive for you, either cut down on the guest list or organize a block party with your neighbors.

Anonymous wrote:Rich people who don't have enough real problems like to mock people of limited means for trying to solve their real problems.

DCUM would never eat "stranger" food, even if it's free. You might be able to pay a few to eat it.

Anonymous wrote:You cannot do this.

A single meal at chick fil A now runs almost $15. $15 for an entire family is an extraordinarily good deal, especially for way better food and alcohol. Name a single place in existence you could take a family for $15, stuff your face, and drink almost as much beer as you want.