Summer is the perfect season for a backyard cookout or block party, but feeding your neighbors needn’t leave your pockets empty. In these budget-conscious times, there are many ways to host a great party without spending tons of money. With a little planning, you can save on decorations, food, and even beverages.
Decorate inexpensively
It is possible to purchase decorations without spending a fortune. “Keep the decorations simple,” says Joen Kinnan, a River Forest, Illinois, resident who’s provided catering services for many cost-conscious nonprofit groups. “Party and dollar stores are good sources for favors and decorations.” At these types of stores, you can find inexpensive:
Balloons, candles, and confetti
Colorful elements that fit your theme
Table centerpiece ideas
Save on party food
You can save a great deal of money by purchasing food for your party at discount warehouse stores. There, you can buy large sizes or quantities of items such as soft drinks, meat, fresh fruit, and potato chips.
Grocery chains also offer great solutions for saving money, says Kinnan. “If you’re on friendly terms with your grocer, you might ask for a bulk rate if you pre-order or request a larger quantity of a particular item,” she advises.
Joining a food co-op or visiting a farmers market are also good ideas when buying in bulk. “They often sell fruits and vegetables by the peck or the bushel,” Kinnan says. “You’ll get the best prices on what’s currently in season.”
One last tip: “If you plan on serving alcoholic beverages, buy red and white wine by the case,” Kinnan says. “For beer, you can buy a keg. Another option is to ask guests to bring their own beverages.” This works for food, too, and potluck parties are great for revving up bored palates with new and interesting dishes.
Throw a party without going broke
By Karen Schwartz
Summer is the perfect season for a backyard cookout or block party, but feeding your neighbors needn’t leave your pockets empty. In these budget-conscious times, there are many ways to host a great party without spending tons of money. With a little planning, you can save on decorations, food, and even beverages.
Decorate inexpensively
It is possible to purchase decorations without spending a fortune. “Keep the decorations simple,” says Joen Kinnan, a River Forest, Illinois, resident who’s provided catering services for many cost-conscious nonprofit groups. “Party and dollar stores are good sources for favors and decorations.” At these types of stores, you can find inexpensive:
Save on party food
You can save a great deal of money by purchasing food for your party at discount warehouse stores. There, you can buy large sizes or quantities of items such as soft drinks, meat, fresh fruit, and potato chips.
Grocery chains also offer great solutions for saving money, says Kinnan. “If you’re on friendly terms with your grocer, you might ask for a bulk rate if you pre-order or request a larger quantity of a particular item,” she advises.
Joining a food co-op or visiting a farmers market are also good ideas when buying in bulk. “They often sell fruits and vegetables by the peck or the bushel,” Kinnan says. “You’ll get the best prices on what’s currently in season.”
One last tip: “If you plan on serving alcoholic beverages, buy red and white wine by the case,” Kinnan says. “For beer, you can buy a keg. Another option is to ask guests to bring their own beverages.” This works for food, too, and potluck parties are great for revving up bored palates with new and interesting dishes.