With summer just around the corner, barbecues and social gatherings are not far behind. Usually, this is cause for celebration but for those on a limited budget, the thought of throwing a party is a daunting task, and often a lack of funds prevents people from planning social events altogether. The fact is, limited means shouldn’t stop you from socializing and having fun. Here are some easy ways to throw a great party on a cheap budget.

Share the responsibility: 

The easiest way to spend less is to have everybody pitch in. Potluck parties, where every guest brings a dish to share, are not only delicious but ideal for those on a limited income! Potlucks are fun and completely customizable. The host may specify a theme (such as Mexican food) or request only hors d’oeuvres (light appetizer), or simply ask each guest to bring their favorite signature dish and enjoy the variety that filters in. No matter how you do it, you can be sure that everyone will enjoy sharing and partaking of each delicious dish!

Music makes the party: 

High-quality speakers are relatively inexpensive, and when paired with a smart device (phones or tablets) and free music channels like Spotify and Pandora, great music is as easy as plug and play. Don’t have money for speakers? Use your computer! All you need is an internet connection to stream the music. With good company, the right tunes and delicious food, your party is sure to be a hit!

Decorate Simply but Boldly: 

Choose one decoration idea and incorporate it boldly. For example, if you want balloons, make three large, dramatically colored balloon bouquets and place them in the room where they will make the most impact. If flowers are your thing, create two large flower bouquets with big bright blooms and use them as centerpieces where people are likely to congregate. A few simple, bold decorations placed strategically will make a big impact on your party without heavily impacting your wallet.

In the end, it’s not how fancy or well catered your party was that matters but how it made your guests feel. A party that provides its guests with the ability to relax and enjoy the company of others, in a fun and inviting atmosphere far outweighs a hoity-toity event. So sit back, relax and enjoy the party.

Here are some delicious and inexpensive party food ideas to keep the budget down

You don’t have to go all out on party food to make a memorable event, remember most people go to parties for the friendship not the food!

• Popcorn — it’s not just for the movies! Popcorn is not only inexpensive, but it’s easy to make, cheap, tastes great and as an added bonus has almost no calories (when eaten plain). Why not offer a variety of flavored popcorns at your next event? Popcorn can come in savory flavors like cheese, ranch, or lightly salted, you can go for the sweet and salty kettle corn variety, or go sweet with carmel corn or chocolate drizzled popcorn. There are so many options! Makes a good party favor too.
• Nachos — go south of the border for a tasty and cheap party food. Put out a bowl of corn chips along with some warm nacho cheese sauce and some salsa. It doesn’t have to be fancy and like popcorn, nachos can be quite filling!
• Fruit and veggies — for a lighter fare, put out carrot sticks, celery, sliced apples, cucumber spears, baby tomatoes, mandarin orange bits, and other favorites. You can add in some dill veggie dip or caramel sauce for the fruits and have a healthy and crisp snack that will appeal to just about everybody.
• Go small — usually smaller is better when you are on a budget. Instead of burgers offer sliders, or instead of chicken breast offer skewers with roasted chicken and peppers. Go with cupcakes instead of a large fancy cake or mini cheesecakes instead of full slices. If you stick with barbque meatballs instead of steak, stuffed mushrooms instead of a fancy side dish, and a few other small choices like cheese and crackers or deviled eggs you’ll find that the party is just as fun without going big (and expensive).
• One drink to rule them all — For many people, a party isn’t a party until you let your hair down and enjoy an adult beverage. While alcohol may add a bit of fun to your party, it is also expensive. If you go that route, Stick to a single inexpensive beverage or try some fun fancy non-alcoholic options like blueberry lemonade, or grape citrus sparkling punch. Another possibility is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) party. Simply ask guests to bring along a bottle (or can) of their favorite drink to enjoy at the festivities.