Lean Mode
Light appetite + shared-menu assumptions across all items.
$73 - $156
Budget Game Night
Budget Game Night for 15
Small-group, high-value menu where every dollar matters.
By FeedMyGuests Editorial Team • Reviewed: February 19, 2026
Guest Count
15
Target Budget
$110
Baseline Status
Over target budget unless scope is reduced
Real-World Constraint
Hard spending cap and short prep window
Baseline Menu From Calculator Outputs
The first menu item is treated as the anchor dish. Supporting items are calculated with shared-menu assumptions.
| Menu Item | Quantity | Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Anchor | 6 large pizzas | $72 - $120 | Calculator page |
| Nacho Plate | 11 servings | $22 - $44 | Calculator page |
| Chips | 21 oz | $5 - $11 | Calculator page |
| Brownie | 16 brownies | $12 - $32 | Calculator page |
| Drink | 21 drinks | $11 - $42 | Calculator page |
Baseline total: $122 - $249
Budget Tradeoff Modes
Balanced Mode
Anchor item + supportive sides using baseline event appetite.
$122 - $249
Comfort Mode
Hungry-crowd assumptions with stronger buffer on the anchor item.
$160 - $324
Tradeoff Notes
- •More pizza improves satiety but can exceed cap quickly
- •More chips lowers cost but reduces meal quality
- •Home-prepped brownies save money but add labor
What Changes at +10 Guests
Scaling from 15 to 25 guests moves this baseline plan from $122 - $249 to $203 - $414. Budget impact: +$81 to +$165.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Buying too many premium toppings
- •Ignoring the hidden cost of delivery fees
- •No backup for unexpectedly high appetite
Decision Log
- •Use one reliable anchor food and two low-cost supports
- •Pre-portion snacks to control burn rate
- •Reserve a low-cost emergency add-on option
Execution Timeline
- 24 hours before Lock menu under hard cap
- 6 hours before Prep dessert and snack portions
- Start time Launch anchor food first
- Mid-session Assess appetite and deploy reserves only if needed
Planning Intent Cluster Links
Move between this scenario, calculators, and guides in two to three clicks.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This scenario is authored and reviewed by FeedMyGuests Editorial Team using calculator outputs for 15 guests, then adjusted with practical constraints, execution tradeoffs, and post-event risk checks.
Reference Sources
- USDA FoodData Central Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- FDA Safe Food Handling Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- USDA FSIS Safe Temperature Chart Retrieved: February 19, 2026
Editorial Change Log
Auto-generated from repository commits. Latest sync: 2026-02-19.
- 2026-02-19 • Improve trust signals, scenarios, and editorial content workflows (e90d416)
Corrections policy: if you spot an error, email contact@feedmyguests.com with the page URL and issue details. Material corrections are logged here after review by the FeedMyGuests Editorial Team.