Party Zone

Budgeting for a Summer Party    by Adriana Noton

When summer arrives, along with the hot days, there are a variety of summer parties such as backyard barbecues, holiday parties, and spending time with friends, family and neighbors. When you host a summer time party, the costs can quickly add up, especially with the steady rise in food prices. However, you can still host a great summer party even if you are on a tight budget. Below is a list of tips on budgeting for a summer party.

Create a Summer Budget: It is very helpful to determine how much money you will need to you’re your summer parties. You have to consider such expenses as food, beverages, barbecue supplies, decorations, snacks, etc. Once you determine how much you will need, you can set aside money each week that can be put towards paying for the party.

Pot Luck: A great way to save money on a summer party is make it a pot luck event. Each guest can bring a food item and a beverage. You will find you will greatly reduce your party costs.

Find Discounts and Deals: When you plan to go to the grocery store to buy your party food, you should create a shopping list. Then, check flyers, coupons, special discounts, online coupons, and coupons in the local newspaper, for the items you will need. You will discover the savings will really add up. In addition, purchase inexpensive appetizers and snacks such as carrots, celery,, pretzels, and potato chips. Pasta, Rice and Potatoes are also cheap food items. Potato salad is a cheap and popular summer party treat.

Shop at Bargain Shops: Dollar Stores are great places to buy cheap plastic or paper plates, utensils, and cups. You can also find really cheap decorations such as paper tablecloths and matching napkins.

Salads are Cheap: Offering a variety of salads is a very inexpensive way to reduce food costs. Such cheap salads can include Caesar salad and pasta salad. As well, you can offer vegetable and fruit plates as a snack. When you are at the grocery store, look for discounts and specials on in-season fruits and vegetables.

Limit Types of Alcohol Beverages: If you go out and buy all sorts of different types of alcohol as well as different types of mix, you will soon find you have depleted your party budget. Pick about three types of alcohol and mixes. You can also make your party BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze.) You will save a substantial amount.

Throwing summer parties is a popular summer time activity. It is easy to get carried away shopping at stores for your party supplies and food and beverages. However, the costs can quickly add up. When you plan and find ways to cut back on costs such as implementing smart shopping practices and avoiding items you really do not need, you can host a great summer time party without breaking your budget. You will still have a great summer and create a lot of wonderful memories.

About the Author

Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada, Inc. teaches consumers how to budget, get out of debt, and use credit wisely. Offers a variety of unbiased debt management services and alternatives to help people get their debts under contro.
Easy Chex Mix Recipe for Appetizer Party Foods and Snacks- Cooking with Kids in the Kitchen Recipes