How to Set Up a Hot Dog Party

If you are looking for a social activity that is a little different from the same old boring buffet, consider holding a hot dog party. Simple and easy to plan, this type of party is a winner with groups of friends or families with young children. Here's how to plan your social event with a minimum of fuss and a lot of fun.

Step 1

Purchase your supplies. Just about everything you need can be found in any supermarket. Instead of making baked beans and cole slaw from scratch, simply pick up both items in the delicatessen department.

Step 2

Cook the hot dogs. If you do not have a hot dog cooker, you can boil the hot dogs or lay them on a cookie sheet and brown them in the oven. Make sure to turn them from time to time, so the dogs will be browned on all sides.

Step 3

Lay out your table. Keep it simple, with plates arranged at one end of the table. Next, add the buns to the lineup. Immediately after the buns, have a tray of cooked hot dogs. Follow with the basic condiments, then finish with the chili, cheese, sauerkraut, onions, and cole slaw. This order will allow everyone to build their hot dogs as they move down the line.

Step 4

Place side dishes last on the table. This would include the baked beans, chips, and any other sides that you think your guests would enjoy.

Step 5

Position drinking cups, ice, cutlery, and napkins at the end of the line. This will prevent the necessity for people to juggle these items while going through the line.

Step 6

Finish the table with a selection of drinks and any desserts you wish to serve. If possible, arrange the drinks and desserts on the opposite side of the serving table, so people can set down their full plates near a seat and return for drinks or dessert without interrupting the flow of the line.

Tips & Warnings

Using disposable items will keep cleanup time to a minimum. This means you can relax and enjoy your guests without worrying about how long it will take to restore your home to normal once the party is over.

Not everyone eats meat. If you have vegetarians in your family or circle of friends, make sure to purchase a few wieners made with textured vegetable protein. These can be found in the frozen foods section of most major supermarkets, as well as many health food stores.