Budget Breakdowns

Itemized budgets, price face-offs, and the spreadsheets behind every party on this site.

• August 22, 2026

  "How Much Food Per Guest? The Quantity Cheat Sheet I Use for Every Party"

  The per-guest quantity tables I actually use — appetizers, mains, sides, dessert, drinks, and ice — plus the adjustments that keep you from over-buying by 40%.

  By Marisol Vega
• August 22, 2026

  "Costco Party Math: Feeding 25 People for Under $200"

  Three complete Costco menus for a 25-person party — pizza night, a rotisserie chicken taco bar, and a sandwich board — each itemized and under $200.

  By Marisol Vega
• August 22, 2026

  "Signature Cocktail vs. Open Bar: The Math That Changed How I Host"

  The real per-guest math on home bar options — a full open bar vs. one signature cocktail plus beer and wine — with itemized costs for a 20-guest party.

  By Marisol Vega
• August 22, 2026

  "Dollar Tree vs. Party City vs. Amazon: Decor Priced Head-to-Head"

  The same 10-item party decor list priced at Dollar Tree, Party City, and Amazon — with per-item verdicts on where each store wins and where each one is a trap.

  By Marisol Vega
• August 22, 2026

  "What Guests Actually Notice: Where to Spend and Where to Cut, From 50+ Parties"

  After 50+ hosted parties, here's the ranked list of what guests actually notice, what they never notice, and the 60/30/10 budget that follows from it.

  By Marisol Vega