While going out for a night on the down with some friends is great, it’s also wonderful to be able to host friends at home. Whether it’s an outside barbecue or a holiday dinner party, throwing a gathering of your own allows guests to feel special, and also gives you a chance to show off your hosting skills.
However, entertaining can be expensive, especially when you’re looking to impress. But not everything has to cost you an entire month’s salary! Here are four easy-to-follow tips for creating a fabulous dinner party without breaking the bank.
Start with your budget: It’s easy to go over the top while throwing a dinner or cocktail party, but you shouldn’t have to break the bank to create a beautiful evening at home. Take a peek at your overall budget. Then, divide that by the number of guests you’re having. This will give you a portion size per guest. From there, you can plan your meal by portion size cost, which will help you stay on track.
Look for options: You’ll definitely want to be able to provide appetizers, dinner and dessert, but look for things you can make without having to purchase in mass quantities. For example, a charcuterie board will call for three to five cheeses and two to four meats. That adds up! Instead, a baked brie with crackers or some great dips or spreads can do the job just as well.
Limit beverage choices: Booze and mixers can get really pricey, especially if you don’t know what everyone likes to drink. Settle on a signature drink or two, bonus points for batchable drinks. Or start with some moderately priced bubbly, as it makes every party feel like a big celebration, and add a fruit-forward red wine (like a Pinot Noir) for later in the evening.
For another touch that’s budget friendly but gives the appearance of an extra-special event, add fresh fruits and herbs to your water (sparkling or flat!) and display them in stunning vintage pitchers on the table.
Plate the food: It may be super tempting to place all the food on the table and let everyone go at it family style. However, since it was priced per portion, it may leave people taking a bit more than planned for - and you want all guests to leave with their bellies and hearts full! Plating the food - while it takes time - eliminates this, while also making the meal look larger and more enticing.
