Frugal Weddings: Skip the Prime Rib Plate and Try a Pasta Bar Instead

I’ve been told by more than a few people that my wedding was one of the best they’ve ever attended. Trust me, I am not bragging. My wedding will never make the cover of Brides. It wasn’t elaborate, and it wasn’t fancy. In fact, it was quite simple…but fun and meaningful at the same time. Did you know that the average wedding costs $30,000? (Thankfully, ours was 1/10th that amount). One of the biggest expenses at most weddings is the reception. In my last post, I offered a frugal tip for table décor and wedding cakes. This time, I am … Continue reading →

Frugal Summer Gatherings: Host a Neighborhood Seafood Boil

You’ve just read the title of this post and are probably finding it hard to believe that I am associating seafood with frugality. Don’t tune me out yet. I am anxious to share one of my favorite, and yes …least expensive entertaining ideas. If you aren’t familiar with a seafood boil, here is a quick definition from Wikipedia.com; “ A boil is usually done in a large pot (60 to 80 quarts) fitted with a strainer and heated by propane. Seasonings include crab boil packets, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, salt, lemons, and bay leaf. Ears of corn, new potatoes, onions, … Continue reading →

Party Games that Don’t Cost a Dime: Mystery Charades

Here is another fun idea for entertaining guests for free with a great game: Live Clue One of my favorite mystery games is called Live Clue. You play this game inside a house that has multiple rooms for the players to walk in and out of. To prepare the house, you open the doors to the rooms that you will be using in the game, and light one candle or grouping of candles in each of these rooms. Next to each of these candles, you place two or three markers. In one room, you place markers and one other object, … Continue reading →

Low-Cost Party Foods

We all love to entertain, right? And maybe we would do it more often if we could spend less money on feeding everyone. The holiday season is a great time for parties, but we are already spending so much money in other areas, how can we afford to have people over? Like always, in order to spend less you just need to do a little planning. Here are some great ideas for providing your guests with good foods that cost very little to make. Opt for foods that use inexpensive ingredients. Some examples are: Caramel Corn Caramel corn is tasty … Continue reading →

Host a Recipe-Sharing Party

All of us could use some new recipes, right? I love to exchange recipes with others and find new dishes to try. If you like experimenting with new foods, you may enjoy hosting a recipe-sharing party with your friends or family. The basic idea is to get together and sample each others’ favorite foods and leave with some new recipes for your own family. This is also a great way to save on the cost of entertaining. Here are a few tips to help you with your party planning: * First, decide who will be invited to your party. Do … Continue reading →

Make a Homemade Mancala Game

The game Mancala is a fun, easy-to-learn, two-player game that is played around the world. Most mancala games are made with a special board and pieces. However, with a few simple objects around the house, you can make your own mancala game for free. What you’ll need: In order to play the game you will need these items… * An empty egg carton * 48 small playing pieces (Some options: marbles, stones, or dry beans) * 2 small cups or bowls How to set up: To set up the game, first cut off the top of your egg carton. Next, … Continue reading →

Have A Get-Together For Less

Getting together with friends and family is loads of fun, however it can be a costly entertainment option if you don’t plan first. Here are a few ways to help get your party started, or to host a small get-together for less. You’ll have fun and save at the same time. You just can’t beat that! Entertainment As a rule, you should not focus on this as much. The point of getting together is to spend time together, so tell jokes, stories and laugh. Just enjoy each other’s company. That’s entertainment enough! Food Go easy on the food. You could … Continue reading →

Set a Festive Table for Fourth of July

Do you like to decorate for every holiday? Many people like to set a festive table even if they don’t necessarily go all out on other decorations. You can certainly purchase decorations and party ware for nearly any occasion, but you can also create an attractive table without overspending. Instead of choosing specialty plates and other tableware with holiday designs or motifs, consider choosing less costly solid colored options instead, in the colors you need for the occasion. For Fourth of July, you can use everyday napkins in white instead of the more expensive party napkins. Choose red or blue … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Family Fun

When planning your family celebration for Fourth of July, do not forget to check with your local Chamber of Commerce for low cost and even free family activities. Find out if there is a parade that isn’t too far away and ask about free concerts in the park or hosted contests with prizes planned for that day. Some companies offer contests as promotions. Many fireworks displays are offered free of charge or for a small donation. In some locations events begin on July 3rd, so be sure to find out what’s going on in advance. If you plan to go … Continue reading →

Last Minute Fourth of July Ideas

I frequently end up having get-togethers for holidays and special occasions at the last minute, because of erratic schedules. Because of this fact, I have learned to pull things together quickly, without time for detailed shopping and without a lot of planning. I may not be Martha Stewart, but I hope you will like some of these simple, low cost, last minute ideas for Fourth of July: Decorations Even if you only have time for a quick trip to the grocery store, you can still gather a few decorations. Many stores have at least a few offerings, but even those … Continue reading →