Save money when you use the following strategies for summer entertaining on the cheap.
Keep the Food Simple
Food and drinks are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to summer entertaining. You can reduce this expense in several ways, most notably by keeping everything simple. Do summer favorites, such as hot dogs and burgers with some salad and pasta or pasta salad to round things out. Desert can be inexpensive, too, from freezer pops for the kids to fresh cut watermelon.
Reduce the Meat
Kabobs on the grill are great because they reduce the amount of expensive meat that you will be using, all the while ensuring great flavor for your guests. Interspersing your meat with fresh in season produce, such as zucchini, mushrooms and peppers will naturally reduce your food budget for entertaining.
Another great idea is to offer your guest a taco bar. Pound per pound, tacos are an inexpensive food. Keep your meat warm in a crockpot and offer shells plus all sorts of good toppings. It is fun and economical.
You can also reduce the cost of meat by choosing inexpensive cuts and marinating them or choosing chicken instead of steak.
Lower the Drink Cost
Pay special attention to how you can reduce the cost of drinks. For example, if you want to serve soda, buying it in liters instead of cans is usually more economical. Juice boxes are the most expensive, so serve lemonade or juice from a pitcher or decanter.
Don’t feel as though you have to create a whole drink bar. Pick a few favorites and stick with them. Punch or sangria is cheaper than mixed drinks. Just be sure to label anything that is alcoholic.
When guests ask what they can bring, ask them to bring their favorite drinks or a case of water.
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