5 Ways to Entertain for Less

For most of us, the season for entertaining happens during the fall months. Between Thanskgiving, holiday parties, Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve….it can be exhausting and expensive. But, it doesn’t have to be. We’re sharing our best tips for entertaining that you can use year-round to keep your budget in check and throw a great party!

Signature Drink:  Before guests arrive, mix-up a signature cocktail (or mocktail) for your get-together. Besides being a cool addition to the theme of your party, it makes it much easier to serve guests, leaving you free to mix and mingle for the night – instead of bartending! PLUS, buying ingredients for one type of drink, versus trying to please all guests by purchasing a variety of items, is much less expensive.

Games Night: Create a theme for your party and enlist your guests to help out! Have everyone bring their favourite game instead of going out and purchasing a variety.

Potluck: Potlucks sometimes get a bad rap, BUT when done right, they can save you (the host) a lot of money on entertaining. The key is to start with a plan. Plan out the menu beforehand with general ideas (i.e. veggie dish, appetizer, one meat dish, one dessert, etc.) and then enlist your guests to help out. Often they will each have their signature dish that can effortlessly suit your menu and they are happy to contribute to the event.

Use What You Have: If you’re having guests over for a dinner party, have a look through your fridge and pantry before you go out shopping! You’d be surprised what you can find and what items may inspire your menu. Not only will you save on your grocery bill, but you’re also keeping the items in your pantry fresh.

Less Is More: Sometimes we think we need the decor, the floral, the high-end food to entertain… but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Whether you’re having a full-blown dinner or cocktail party, or more of a casual get-together, use what you have for decor or just keep things simple.  One fresh bouquet of flowers and candles can brighten up a room, adding ambiance to your soiree with just the right touch of style.

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