Entertaining on a budget
Keisha Hill,Coordinator
The cost of entertaining at your home can be outrageous if you're on a tight budget. With the cost of living rising, you may be thinking about reining in spending. But even on a tight leash, you can still host parties at home, without burning a hole in your pocket if you arm yourself with a foolproof plan.
TIPS
Here are some tips to help you host an inexpensive home party:
- One of the best ways to curtail spending on your parties is to have a potluck. You can create a potluck dinner but it will take good hosting skills on your part, a list of confirmed guests and a fun menu.
- Once you have your list of attendees, you should divide the menu among your guests. Usually, friends are very happy to bring something, but you need to let them know ahead of time that it will be a potluck party.
- Don't forget that your friends may be on a budget too. If someone decides to attend at the last minute, you can always think of something to add to the menu like appetisers, a veggie tray, or another salad. If you have friends on a very tight budget, you can always let them know they are welcome, even if they can't bring anything this time around.
- Let people know how many guests will be coming so they know how much to bring. You can also modify a lot of your favourite meals into potluck menus. Just write out the ingredients you will need and figure out how you can divide them.
- If you are planning a party, get on the phone and shop around. Save when and wherever you can. As a host, you want people to eat, drink and be merry but you certainly don't want to run out of grub.
NOTE: Always expect guests to take two of everything. If you expect 45 people, you'll need to double servings. Some people eat more, some less. Keep a variety of snacks to satisfy the varied tastes of the guests.
keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com