If you like to entertain friends regularly then you’ll know that entertaining isn’t cheap, especially when done well.
If you have a large gathering coming up for a special occasion, or even if you just want to host a small get together with friends and you’re on a budget, then you’re probably looking for ways to make your home as inviting as possible without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ways to do it.
Buy Used Dining Ware
If you’re into tablescaping or even if you have no idea what that is, and you’re just interested in hosting a charming evening with your pals, invest in used dining ware. You may be thinking that in order to keep things cheap and easy you need to buy paper plates and plastic cutlery if you’re hosting a larger party. But that’s where you’re wrong. You can still keep entertaining a large crowd cheap by buying used dining ware.
In many instances, this will cost you about the same as buying paper plates and plastic cutlery. Better yet, you can reuse them time and time again if you like playing host regularly, or even just for those special occasions, like anniversaries and Christmas dinners. You can find cheap cutlery, glass ware, bowls and plates online or head to your local tip shop for some really cheap finds that just need a little TLC to be brought back to life.
DIY Everything
When entertaining, you can DIY just about everything, from creating your own table center piece to baking the cake.
One of the easiest ways to save money on entertaining is to cook dinner yourself. This is a much cheaper option than buying takeout for everyone, as many will expect you to pay.
If you’re not much of a chef in the kitchen, opt for a brunch or lunch get together instead of the official dinner party. Or keep it really simple by inviting people round for after dinner cocktails. You can buy cheap serving ware and make the cocktails yourself. Ask your guests to bring around extra bubbly if spending on drinks is going to break the bank.
Take turns entertaining
If you’re on a budget but you also love to entertain in a big way and go really over the top with your decorations, theming and even party favors; then a good way to continue to do this without hurting your hip pocket is to take turns entertaining with your friends.
By taking turns you can still go big and OTT with your at-home party but save later by living it up at a friends and having them be burdened with the cost of feeding you for a change.
If you’re the type that’s always the entertainer but you need to start sticking to a tighter budget, now is the time to let someone else take the reins and enjoy entertaining you for a change. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the cocktails as they come your way.
Guest blog written by Maria of SEO Media World.