In these times there are a lot of families on a tighter budget, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t host people over.  Below are a few tips to help save money

• Plan a menu a few weeks before the party.  Be on the lookout for sales on the items you need.  Be open to changing the menu based off the sales.
• Set the party for a time in between meals, that way you only have to serve snacks.
• Dress up a table with a tablecloth and cloth napkins.  Sample fabrics and bandanas make cheap and easy cloth napkins
• Decorate with fresh flowers and greenery
• Use your best dishes and utensils.
• Host a potluck: have everyone bring a dish to share
• Have the party in a park.  Put together fun outdoor games for all to play
• Make what you can from scratch
• For drinks, have water and lemonade or fruit juice

Do you have any other tips for hosting a party with little money?  We would love to hear from you!

Ashley Myers