Dinner parties are so much fun to host! However, hosting a dinner party can get very expensive if not planned properly. Dinner parties don’t have to be expensive, in fact you can throw a very frugal party! Keep reading and you will be well on your way to saving money on your next party.
Keep Appetizers Simple
Every dinner party needs a few appetizers, but don’t feel like you have to go above and beyond. You can can create several appetizers on a budget. Buy a big bag of frozen shrimp and set them in some pretty dishes you already own. Have another bowl with cocktail sauce. Buying frozen shrimp is much cheaper than fresh! Make dips and cut up some fresh bread or chips. Your guests are there to enjoy time with you, not critique your appetizers.
Keep the Menu Simple
When it comes to the dinner menu, try to keep it simple. You really don’t need to have six courses. Serve a nice green salad, the main course and a dessert. You should also think about shopping the weekly grocery store sales and creating your menu off what is currently on sale. You can stuff chicken breasts, top steaks with cheese and grilled onions, make a roast or anything else you can think of. Making something too unique will only stress you out and cost you more money than you want to spend.
Don’t Turn Away Help
If a guest offers to bring something, let them! You don’t have to ask them to bring a full-course but suggest an appetizer, bottle of wine or a salad. Even a guest simply bringing a salad is one less thing you have to pay for and prepare. Most of the time guests want to bring something. Take advantage of your guests wanting to help. It will help you out and your guests will be happy to help you.
Use Your Supplies
There is no reason to run out and buy all new dishes. Take a look around your kitchen and see what you already own. Get creative with what you can use for serving bowls or serving trays. Most of the time your guests aren’t even paying attention to what you are serving food on.
Shop the Dollar Store
The Dollar Store is a great place to pick up items to decorate your table. You will even find serving dishes and bowls at the Dollar Store. For decorating the table, look for candles, candle holders, flower arrangements, vases and even tablecloths. You might be surprised at what you find!
What are your tips for hosting dinner parties on a budget?
My favorite dessert, which is sinfully cheap, is rice Krispy Bars. People of all ages absolutely love them. I buy store brand marshmallows for .99 and store brand Rice Krispies at 1.99 a box….and you don’t use the while box
If you have a large group of friends try to divide the celebration dinners and events among the group. The same couple always hosts, Super bowl while another hosts the Leaf’s home opener and another the Jays first home game. This helps to avoid having one couple always picking up the hosting tab but it also allows you to budget in advance. We also try to group together birthdays. If there 2 or 3 bdays in November, why not celebrate them all at once.
We have several birthdays in ONE month (about 23). Each year we throw a huge party but without too much expense. Most people say ‘can we bring something’ and I always say yes! Instead of gifts each person brings a plate of food ( I organize apps, entree, dessert etc. so we don’t have to much of one thing. ) We supply all the dishes and drinks. We shop for pop, juice, etc when its on sale. Massive party, little expense to everyone 🙂