5 Essential Dinner Party Hacks That Are Big on Fun & Small on Spending

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t host a killer dinner party. You can throw a budget-friendly and memorable get-together, though it may take some ingenuity.

There’s more to a dinner party than serving dinner, however. Extra costs can add up if you’re not careful. Use our handy tips and tricks to ensure your guests have a great time and your bank account won’t suffer for it. 

Get Thrifty

You don’t need to buy brand new everything before you host dinner parties. You can find a lot of new-to-you items in great shape from your local thrift shops.

Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on expensive dinnerware, try mixing-and-matching china from secondhand stores instead. Not only will this add an eclectic and vintage vibe to your party, but it’ll save you big bucks too. 

Decorate with Plants

Formal dinner parties are incomplete without decor. Instead of shelling out top dollar for expensive decorations you’ll only use once or twice, why not invest in some living decor? 

The possibilities for plant centerpieces are quite endless. Choose a long wooden planter and fill it with beautiful succulents. Buy a few mini terrariums, fill with cacti or different types of moss, and use them as a table runner. 

There are a lot of benefits to having plants in your home. So once the dinner party is over, you can use still enjoy your new houseplant every day. 

Consider Going Vegetarian 

It won’t come as a surprise to hear that meat is expensive. If you’re looking to cut costs for your party, you may want to consider providing a vegetarian meal. A plant-based meal will provide sustenance for your guests without flushing your budget down the toilet.

Make It a BYOB Dinner Party

Liquor is expensive and people have their own unique tastes. If you choose to buy alcohol for your party, you’ll need to have an array of options for your guests to choose from.

Not only that, though, you’ll need to have enough of each alcohol type to keep your guests happy. You don’t want to be that party host who doesn’t buy enough alcohol, either. You’ll be held responsible for bringing the party to a screeching halt as it’s getting good.

You could easily save a few hundred dollars by requesting that your guests bring their beverage of choice. They’ll be able to bring whatever it is they like to drink and however much of it they plan on drinking.

If you do decide to go the BYOB route, be sure to include this information in your invite.

Keep It Simple

When it comes to what you’ll be serving dinner, keep it simple. Try to avoid the urge to go in with guns blazing, trying to whip up a complicated dish you’ve never attempted before. While it might work out in your favor and impress your guests, it could wind up a Mrs Doubtfire-esque disaster. 

Your best bet is to stick to a meal that you are comfortable making. You’ll waste fewer ingredients this way, saving money (and your friends taste buds) in the process.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have the time or energy to spend making elaborate five-course meals. The dinner party can still be memorable if you choose to outsource. Companies like Healthy Gourmet Miami can provide services catered to your specific event and theme.  

Party On

Hopefully, you’ve learned some easy tricks for hosting a dinner party on a budget. Be sure to check out our Food & Drink section for recipe and beverage ideas for your next party. 

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