Entertaining friends and family is one of life's simple pleasures, but it can often come with a hefty price tag. From food to decorations, costs can add up quickly. Whether you're planning a birthday, Christmas lunch, a casual dinner or a small celebration, here’s how you can entertain on a budget while still impressing your guests.
1. Plan a budget-friendly menu
Food is often the most expensive part of hosting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of savvy shopping and simple recipes, you can create delicious meals without draining your wallet.
- Stick to meals that are simple, affordable and filling – bonus points if they can be made in large quantities! Dishes such as pasta, hearty soups, or a barbecue with sausages and grilled vegetables are all cost-effective options, easy to prepare and can feed a crowd with minimal effort.
- One of the best ways to save on food is to use what’s in season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are not only fresher but also significantly cheaper. During spring and summer, think of salads featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. In cooler months, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins can be used in soups and stews or roasted for a side dish.
- Try cooking in bulk to save time and money. Dishes like casseroles, stews, and lasagne can be made ahead of time in large quantities and reheated just before serving. This allows you to prepare meals without feeling rushed on the day and also means you can spread the cost out over a few weeks as you take your time to cook. Bulk cooking also works well for desserts such as a big tray of brownies or a large pavlova that everyone can share.
- If you’re not looking to cook for a larger crowd, grazing tables have become a popular option and the good news is they don’t need to cost a fortune. Instead of buying expensive platters, consider putting together your own. Choose a mix of budget-friendly snacks like crackers, fresh bread, vegetables, dips, and cheeses. Bulk up the table with fruits like apples, strawberries and grapes, or even a variety of nuts.
You can also encourage guests to bring a plate of their favourite finger foods to contribute to the grazing table, which takes some of the pressure (and cost) off of catering for a group.
2. Keep drinks simple
Drinks can often be an overlooked expense at any gathering. Rather than providing an open bar or buying a wide range of beverages, consider offering one or two affordable options that you may be able to purchase on special. Let guests know what you’ll be providing and encourage them to bring along their own drinks if they’re after something specific.
3. Don’t overdo decorations
Creating the right atmosphere doesn’t have to be expensive. You can decorate your space on a budget while still setting the scene.
- Simple but effective decorations like fairy lights or even old jars used as candle holders can add a personal and warm touch. You can also use natural elements like flowers, greenery, or shells as part of your decor, which can be free or cheap to source.
- Before rushing out to buy new decorations, take stock of what you already own from previous events or what you could repurpose. If you do need to top up your decorations, check out your local op shops first to see what you can find. You mind spot exactly what you need for a significantly reduced price, or get inspiration from the goods your find.
Less is often more when it comes to decorations and a few well-placed elements can make just as much of an impact as over-the-top decor.
4. Get creative with entertainment
Entertainment doesn’t need to be costly. Create a playlist with your favourite music, plan easy party games like trivia and charades, or even leave some board games and card games out that people can easily reach for.
If you’re hosting outdoors, classic Aussie games like backyard cricket or footy can provide hours of fun without costing a cent.
Entertaining on a budget is all about being resourceful and thinking creatively. By focusing on simple, homemade food, and repurposing what you already own or asking your guest to pitch in, you can throw a successful event without feeling the financial pinch. Hosting is about spending quality time with friends and family, and with a bit of planning, you can do just that without overspending.
Auswide Bank Ltd AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 239686. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
