TOP TIPS TO HOST YOUR SUMMER PARTY ON A BUDGET

Make your summer party budget-friendly and enjoyable with these tips!

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Hosting is hard as it is, but when it’s summertime and your budget is already exhausted, it’s even harder. Make your summer party a breeze with these top tips that won’t empty your wallet.

HOST A POTLUCK
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food. Avoid the fuss by asking your guests to each bring their favourite sharing dishes. This allows you to focus on one dish, drinks or dessert and makes sure everyone has something they’ll enjoy. Make things extra special by choosing a theme for the dishes or picking a country’s cuisine as inspiration for your party!

@soos.foods stomach was FULL 😇 #dinnerparty #dinnerideas #potluck #holidayparty #potluckidea #friendsmas #friendsdinner #friendsdinnerparty #potluckdinner #friendsreunion ♬ DARARI - ︎ ondu

ADD TO THE MOOD WITH SOME CANDLES
We’re all familiar with candles during loadshedding. Save your units by switching off the lights and lighting a few candles. They’ll add to the mood and make your party look even more sophisticated than planned. Plus, with mosquitoes buzzing around you can swap your regular candles for citronella ones for a bite-free party!

STAY HYDRATED IN STYLE
Summer calls for ice-cold drinks! Add fruit-infused water to your table for a budget-friendly refresher. Simply pop plenty ice, water and some freshly cut fruit into a jug and you’re ready to go. Why not try some strawberry- and cucumber-infused water or add some freshly sliced lemon, lime and ginger? The combinations are endless! You can even create a simple syrup infused with fruit to mix your own lemonade.

@join_jules Passion Fruit Simple Syrup perfect for Summer Tropical Cocktails #summerdrinks #cocktail #simplesyrup #learnontikok ♬ original sound - Michal

WILDFLOWERS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Who needs to splurge on a bouquet for one party? Ask a neighbour or friend for a few flowers, or simply pick some from your own backyard for a beautiful table piece. It doesn’t have to be big: a few flowers in a reused glass jar or bottle makes for a simple yet stunning table setting.

@plainjane988 Build a bouquet with me for my mom 💗 #wildflower #farm #farmtotable #bouquet ♬ original sound - Jane

MAKE CLEANING UP EASY
Minimise the washing and stains by switching out your tablecloth for paper. It’s cheaper than buying a fancy tablecloth, allows your creativity to go wild and makes cleaning up as simple as scrunching and throwing away. If you want a little extra, make use of patterned wrapping paper as a table runner.

@scarlett____ covered the dining table in butchers paper for a cheese & wine night 🥺🧀🫒🍷✨ #datenightideas #hosting #aesthetic ♬ on my mind - *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Photography: Pexels