Here at Wild Truffle Catering we know that Birthday parties don’t need to cost a fortune. But cheap-looking food, supermarket sausage rolls and sad-looking sandwiches won’t set the tone you want either.

Whether you’re planning a small do at home or hiring out a hall for 100 people, you can still create something that feels thoughtful, generous and effortlessly good—even on a budget.

This guide walks you through how to make that happen, with practical advice drawn from years of catering birthday parties across Liverpool.

Focus on Food That Feels Worth It

Guests won’t judge your party by how many items are on the buffet—they’ll remember how it looked, how it tasted, and how well it worked for the moment.

The trick is to skip the filler and go for:

A small, balanced menu with 3–5 solid options
Bold, colourful ingredients that look fresh and fun
A mix of hot and cold food for texture and contrast

Rustic buffet-style catering layout with grazing boards and seasonal bites, ideal for birthday parties in Liverpool on a budget.

A basic but brilliant menu might include something like:

Pulled BBQ chicken or jackfruit in soft rolls
A seasonal salad (think couscous or roast veg)
Homemade-style sausage rolls or halloumi bites
Fruit skewers or brownie bites for afters

It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality and care.

Use Your Home (or Someone Else’s)

One of the biggest ways to blow a budget is booking a venue when you don’t actually need one.

If the party’s for under 40 people and you’ve got a garden, kitchen or big living room to work with, hosting at home saves you hundreds. If you need more space, ask a friend or relative if you can borrow theirs. We’ve catered parties in driveways, conservatories and garages.

No kitchen? No problem. We do ready-to-serve drop-offs with everything hot and sealed, or cold platters you can serve straight from the fridge.

Go Self-Serve to Cut Costs

Hiring servers and setup staff adds time and cost. If you’re on a budget, go for buffet-style or graze-table catering with all the hard work done—but without service.

→ Our buffet catering options work well for DIY party setups

You’ll still get food that looks and feels high-end. It just happens to be delivered in foil trays, platters or grazing boards you can serve yourself.

Don’t Overdo the Sweets

One of the easiest traps when planning a birthday party is over-catering desserts. Cakes, cupcakes, treats—they all sound like fun, but half of it often ends up untouched.

Instead:

Serve one showstopper (like a birthday cake)
Add one sweet nibble (brownie bites, traybakes, Eton mess)

That’s usually enough.

A well-balanced dessert table with a birthday cake and light sweet treats, styled for a budget-friendly party in Liverpool.

Make it Look Good Without Spending More

Presentation goes a long way. Food that’s laid out neatly, with a few handwritten labels, fairy lights, or themed decorations instantly feels more special. Imitation flowers are a fantastic way to fill in the blank spots between dishes.

Simple touches like:

Rustic wooden boards or slate trays
Matching napkins or disposable cutlery
Mini chalkboard food labels

can transform a simple buffet into something people take photos of.

Dietary Needs? Plan Early

When you’re keeping things small and affordable, dietary needs need to be accounted for from the start. Otherwise, you end up over-ordering “just in case.”

We always recommend:

Knowing how many vegetarians, vegans or gluten-free guests you’re catering for
Choosing one dish that suits multiple diets (e.g. roasted veg couscous)
Clearly labelling all food

→ Our full menu includes veggie, vegan, gluten-free and halal-friendly choices

External Resources

FAQs

How much does it cost to cater a birthday party in Liverpool?
Most clients spend between £8–£18 per head, depending on the menu, number of guests and if service is included.

Can Wild Truffle deliver food to my house or venue?
Yes. We offer flexible delivery options including hot drop-off, cold platters and full setup if needed.

Do you cater for allergies and special diets?
Yes. We regularly provide gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and halal options. Just let us know in advance.

What’s the best food to serve kids and adults together?
Finger foods work best—things like sliders, skewers, pasta pots and sweet treats. We’ll help you balance the menu.

Let’s Get Planning

You don’t need to spend big to throw a brilliant party. With the right food, a smart layout, and a few creative touches, it can still feel special.

We’ll help you make it happen—and stay on budget while you do.