There have been many months that have passed where we perhaps haven't seen our nearest and dearest. Times where we have only connected with one another through a screen or over a phone. The summer months are allowing us to reconnect and actually see those who we care about. Having people over, friend and family, who we haven't seen in a long time is emotional, it's amazing. However it doesn't have to cost us a small fortune to entertain. There are some really simple things we can do to host those that we love this summer. Let's have a quick look at some of the ways we can offer summer entertaining on a budget this year.
Enjoy Your Outside Space
You probably don't want loads of people wandering around your house. Not only because you'll feel like you have to tidy up in the first place, but you'll then end up having to tidy up again when people have left. A great solution to this is simply having your gathering outside. Get some chairs out of the shed, put a tablecloth on that old outdoor dining table and get some outside toys on the grass for the kids. Pull the BBQ out of the garage and do most of your cooking outside. Burgers, sausages, fish, corn on the cob.
The possibilities are endless for outdoor cooking on the grill. Obviously people will be nipping into the house to use the toilet now and again but by keeping everyone outside you can ensure the house doesn't get too messy. If you use disposable (but recyclable!) plates and bowls you don't need to wash up as much as the end of the gathering too. Of course, all of this will only work if the weather plays ball!
Be Sure To Plan Ahead
Entertaining on a budget is easier if you plan ahead. Be sure you know what you will need from the shops and when for food and cocktails. You can buy in bulk, use your freezer and ensure you don't need to send anyone last minute to the more expensive corner shop for something you've forgotten. Make a list. Shopping with a list is so much easier. You could even do online shopping with your supermarket for delivery or click and collect.
You may have to pay for it but if you are known to be swayed by instore promotions and impulse purchases, you'll probably spend less on the delivery charge than you would on those random things that find their way into your trolley instore. When you plan ahead, you can be organised, spend less and know exactly what you need, when you need it.
Serve One Signature Drink
Drinks are a huge part of entertaining and it can be an area where you overspend. This is why you should serve just one signature drink. You could even make that part of the them of the event. You'll then be able to buy the ingredients for that drink in bulk and make them all in one go. If it's rum cocktails you decide on, you can simply create them in jugs so people can help themselves.
Maybe opt for a mocktail version too for those who are driving and otherwise, it's just iced water for everyone. This put-them-yourself idea is also great and quite entertaining for your guests too. Margaritas can be a fantastic but you can choose other cocktails, martinis and drinks instead. I am partial to a strawberry daiquiri myself!
Have you ever wondered how to properly stir a cocktail?
Prepare Food To Share
Entertaining on a budget is even easier when you prepare food that you can share. A table full of affordable to buy food is great for people to help themselves from. Eating together is often overlooked! Think of freshly baked breads, tasty salads, cuts of meats and plenty of crisps and dips. Sharing foods are easy to prepare as you don't need to really figure out portion size. Nor do you have to serve up things for people or make it look fancy on their plates.
If you have some leftovers, they can find their way onto the table as well. Plenty of options, something for everybody and you can buy things that are on offer and unbranded as no one will see where they're from. Once things are gone, they're gone.
Think Of A Favourite For Dessert
Puddings are a huge part of any mealtime, especially as events and gatherings like this. When you're hosting, you can so often get carried away with puddings as different people like different things. However you can settle on one thing to cut the price that you need to pay when hosting. If there is a reason behind this dessert decision, even better!
Maybe it's the pudding you had at your wedding, or one that is a firm family favourite. You can tailor it for individuals by offering ice cream, cream or custard on the side. It's less expensive than having an entire table full of different desserts. Remember, many people will eat a lot and not leave much room for dessert, so don't overbuy them or you'll end up eating it for weeks!
Encourage Bring-Your-Own
Cut back even further on the amount of money that you need to spend but encouraging the classic bring-your-own. It could be BYOB (bring your own bottle) or just bring something to share. That way you'll get an array of different options that everyone can enjoy. It's a great way to stick to entertaining on a budget. Just because you are hosting it doesn't mean you should take on the full cost of the meal and drinks.
This BYO invitation encourages others to pitch in, without having to ask for physical cash. The summer months can be expansive enough for those with children! You can also be sure that there will be something everyone likes as people don't usually bring items they wouldn't eat!
So often, many of us turn up our noses at the idea of entertaining because of the cost we'll have to shell out. Entertaining on a budget can be much easier than you think. Use these top tips to save money and you can enjoy hosting a great day, afternoon or evening with those that you love.