Tips for Entertaining on A Limited Budget
In case you’re hosting guests this Memorial Day weekend, there’s no need to spend a lot of money. Today’s post is the perfect remedy for entertaining on a limited budget. Thus, here are some tips that I pray you will find useful.
Let’s start with the food. Hands down, it will likely be your most costly purchase.
Tip #1: Buy your meats and diary products from Costco or Sam’s Club. If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider purchasing a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club. Why, you might ask? You can buy meats and dairy products (bacon, milk, cheese, chicken breasts, wings, hamburger patties, hotdogs, etc.) in bulk. This will allow you to save big if you need to feed a large group of people.
Tip #2: Buy your condiments and/or decorations from the Dollar Tree. Not to be mistaken with the Dollar General, the Dollar Tree has plenty of condiments and festive decorations. Why buy ketchup at Kroger when you can get the same brand much cheaper elsewhere? Besides, who’s going to ever know the difference!
Tip #3: Get your organic produce at a local Farmer’s Market. Even Walmart can’t compete with the low prices of a decent Farmer’s Market. In this way, you not only support your local farmers, but the fruits and veggies tend to be much fresher and tastier than the store brought ones.
Tip #4: Include biscuits, rice and potatoes in your meal preparation. Regardless if you’re preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner, these foods aren’t called fillers for nothing. No matter how big the appetite, everyone is certain to fill up quickly on these goodies.
Tip #5: Instead of buying juice for breakfast and snacks, purchase some Country Time Lemonade drink mix. Juice can be expensive; particularly when you’re trying to feed multiple guests. Nonetheless, this is an inexpensive option for providing drinks to your guests, no matter what time of the day they eat.
Tip #6: Plan All Your Meals in Advance. Nothing will burn your time and gas faster than going back and forth to the grocery store all weekend. Instead of assuming what you have in your pantry, do a quick inventory and make a list. If you know ahead of time what you plan to cook, it will make your grocery shopping more effective. Save yourself the headache of getting ready to prepare a dish only to realize you don’t have enough ingredients.
Tip #7: Research any “Free Activities” in your community. The internet is a great resource for finding out local activities. Many cities will sponsor free themed events; mainly at their Parks and Recreations facilities. Pack plenty of food, grab a blanket or lawn chairs and have a picnic. Just be sure to bring lots of bottled water, paper towels, hand sanitizer and OFF! Bug spray.
Tip #8: Stay home and play board games. Try cutting off the TV for once and play board games. Not only is this a cheap option for entertaining but it will build memories of family time.
Tip #9: Take a walking and bicycling tour of a popular landmark. Walking may be the best exercise in the world but bicycling is, by far, the most fun. A few years ago, some friends and I took a bicycling tour while on vacation in Chicago. We made memories that will last a lifetime. No matter which one you decide upon, both walking or bicycling are wonderful stress relievers and a great way to see an area.
Tip #10: Visit some yard sales or a Thrift Shop. I know a lot of people can be pretty snobby about resale items. However, don’t knock this until you’ve tried it! I personally know a woman who is extremely wealthy and yet, she loves Good Will! Now, you will need patience to thoroughly exam the items. But, there’s no limit to what treasures you might find.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend Beloved, you don’t have to break the bank entertaining. Going broke to impress your guests is an option, not a requirement! Sure, you can easily go shopping and throw away precious bill money. But, why be miserable and stressed out until your next paycheck? Or, you can choose to be wiser. Spending less will preserve our peace of mind. No matter what you decide to do, sweet love, stay prayed up and safe!
