Summer is just around the corner! From Memorial Day to the 4th of July to Father’s Day and every weekend in between, people love to gather and celebrate the warm weather and being together. But a block party or a backyard barbecue can hit your budget right between the eyes if you’re not careful. If you plan on celebrating this summer, check out these great tips to keep your budget on track.
Ask for Help
Look, your friends really do want to bring something. Don’t be afraid to go all potluck on your gathering and ask people to pitch in. More often than not, it’s best to let people bring their best dish so you have the A-game buffet. But if you have a specific menu plan and want to be sure you don’t end up with 15 potato salads, then request categories of dishes or party items (think paper goods) instead of demanding a particular recipe or specific item.
Go Red and Blue
When it comes to decor and party supplies, look for solid red and blue items. From dishes and napkins to bowls and baskets, red is the best bet. Not only does red feature prominently in summer holidays like 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day but it’s also the go-to for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. And many children’s characters and athletic teams have red and/or blue in their color scheme too so you are likely to use those items again or be able to mix and match them for another occasion. Plus, be on the look out after the big holidays pass to see if you can pick up those items on clearance for next year!
Keep Your Menu Simple
The grocery store is a tempting place during the summer party season. Hit the aisles and you’ll find a variety of foods and so many options your head could spin. Stick to as simple of a menu as possible – a main course, a veggie, a fruit, and a dessert. Even though the extras sound like they would enhance your experience in the end you’ll end up with more leftovers than you can manage or give away and end up wasting food.
Order Paper Goods on Amazon
When your time is short and your budget is minimal, it might actually be a good idea to hit Amazon for your party good needs. I LOVE buying things like cups, napkins, paper towels, and plates on Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program. It helps remain stocked up no matter when we decide to throw a party. Be sure you check Amazon’s coupons to see if you can maximize their prices.
Decorate with Food
There’s no need to buy fancy center pieces that will collect dust all year long. You can bring pizazz to your table with food instead! Whether it’s a beautifully carved watermelon (what says summer better?) or making red, white, and blue Uncle Sam Punch, you can make decor out of the dishes you’ll be eating, saving money. Plus, I bet your guests will enjoy the edible decor much more!
Gather together your friends and spend time together this year! But spend your money on what really counts – the people you love.
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