catering for ±30 people LFRV

My birthday is coming in a couple of weeks and I was crazy enough to invite some 40 people! I reckon only about 30 people will come, and there will be at least 20 coming for sure.

Anyone with experience of catering for so many people LFRV without going bankrupt? I'm thinking of a night party with dancing, drinks etc. I won't provide drinks myself, but will let guests bring their own if they wish. So I need advice mainly on canapes, cakes, and non-alchoholic drinks that aren't coca-cola.

Many thanks in advance! :D

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Betker on January 17, 2011 at 8:14am

It really depends on what the people will eat. Ask a few of them to be sure?

Are they truly into lfrv where they could eat 6-20 bananas each? It seems like anyone pounding down even 6 bananas on top of 2 prior SAD meals is asking for it.

And if it's an evening meal and you have 811 folks, wouldn't they want something more like greens, cucs, tomatoes anyway?

For carbs this time of year, I'd slam down some boxes of dates on the counter and call that portion done. People can make dateorade or you could have someone making them on request.. that way there wouldn't be any waste if people don't want anything because they already ate.

You could also add variety by buying whatever densies and exotics are in season in the UK right now and also fit your price range.

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Permalink Reply by Alice on January 18, 2011 at 7:45pm

Thanks for your advice, Ryan!

There are about 3 people who know about my diet and the rest think I'm either vegan or vegetarian.

My plan is to casually offer them lfrv canapes without mentioning dietary issues. After all, it's MY party! :D

Some would have never seen dates in their lives, so datorades might need some explaining, but it sounds like a good idea to have them around as nibbles. I wonder if it would work to make lemonade with dates as sugar subsitute..

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Permalink Reply by Adam on January 18, 2011 at 9:21pm

Eek, you are gonna have to do some major shopping planning if you want it to be affordable. I had some guests over before xmas (just 2 people, plus myself and my housemate) and it cost £50 to make one meal and none of the food was even organic.

I would suggest juices instead of cola. Make some thinks like salsas. Do you have a dehydrator? It might be worth making some things that arent totally low fat, just to provide some variety for people, since they arent used to eating raw. Making some flax pesto crackers and some dips could be a good idea, and should be relatively cheap. Obviously you would need lots of chopped veggies for crudites too. Make some slaws, fruit salads, spiralised "pasta" dishes.

Take care

Adam x

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Permalink Reply by carine martine on January 18, 2011 at 9:57pm

had my bd party last year "attended" by "only " NON vegetarians (let alone lfrv !!!).

It was a success : 1 the food was from the highest as possible quality / fresh & raw (vegan of course)

2 all the drinks and creations where "homemade" (lot's of luv & care ingredients)

3 there where many kinds of food provided : sweet, sour, salty, juicy... (the only non raw things available : capers & black olives...)

Planned a few months in advance (the place, extra furniture... made some x tra...) got positive response about it after the party

Knowing your friends tastes and wich food preparations they like from your making : SUCCESS & FUN

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Permalink Reply by Terri on January 18, 2011 at 10:53pm

A super simple canape: sliced cucumber round topped with a slice of date. I often prepare this for get-togethers and even my SAD friends and relatives love them!