 How to throw a Dinner party on a budget!
A dinner party is a great way for people to mingle and have fun. However, the cost of throwing a shin-dig, coupled with the planning on it, can often be enough of a deterrant for most of us to say 'fug-getta-bout-it'. However, by following the SIMPLE steps or organization below, you too can be a Martha Stewart-like hostess, and throw a great party without going to great expense. Once you throw one dinner party, you'll see how easy it is to do - and want to throw more! ALSO - after the eating festivities have commenced, make sure to pile the dishes in the kitchen and LEAVE them there until later. Don't waste valuable entertainment time scrubbing off sauce. Soak the dishes in the sink, and go grab a glass of wine!
| 1. |
Determine how much you can afford to spend on the dinner party. Stick to it. |
| 2. |
Decide how many people to invite. |
| 3. |
Decide what foods will be served. (Check for food allergies and restrictions with guests!) |
| 4. |
Extend invitations. |
| 5. |
Prepare your dinner from scratch. |
| 6. |
Avoid costly, last-minute purchases by buying food a week before the party. |
| 7. |
Review weekly grocery store flyers to find out what's on sale. This is a great way to get discounts on expensive items such as meat, cheese and wine. |
| 8. |
Prepare early and keep the menu simple. Pasta with fresh herbs, garlic bread and tossed green salad - mix your own oil-and-vinegar dressing rather than buying bottled - makes a nice, classic meal. Try to buy your greens and veggies from a local farmers market. They will taste MUCH better, you'll spend less and get a quality product, plus you're supporting local business. |
| 9. |
Rice, potatoes, pasta, polenta or beans make inexpensive side dishes. Mash white beans and garlic, and add in some tahini and lemon juice to make your own homemade hummus - great appetizer with toasted garlic bread, or pita points! Roast your own cloves of garlic in the oven for an inexpensive and DELICIOUS spread for french bread, drizzled with olive oil! |
| 10. |
Take advantage of wholesale and discount grocery store prices. COSTCO can be a great place to pick up some tasty, high scoring wines - you can often save up to $10 per bottle of wine by going this route! |
| 11. |
Decorate with candles and inexpensive flowers. Make your own centerpiece. If you are feeling crafty and want to focus on a holiday theme, visit Joann's for great ideas. |
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After dinner, offer good quality coffee. Don't serve instant mix coffee, as that is a MAJOR party foul, and the instant IS foul. Click here to read about how important coffee beans are when choosing a roast.
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