4 Tips to throw a budget-friendly summer bash
Throwing a party or get-together with loved ones shouldn’t break the bank. In summer, it’s about fun in the sun, laughter and making every moment feel special. And all this can be achieved on a shoestring budget. Here’s how:
1. Host it at home and keep it simple
Having it at home, in your backyard or close by (a local park or the beach ) saves you the expense of hiring a venue or reserving tables at a restaurant. It also offers a comfortable, familiar environment , and you can improvise when faced with a hiccup. For example, if you’re hosting outside and the day is windier than expected, or a light rain passes over, you can quickly move your party indoors.
Who says you need to host a big soiree? Invite your closest friends or family to keep the list as short as possible. This way you don’t have to go all out on catering and decor. Keeping your numbers small will allow you to be in the moment and spend quality time with your guests.
2. Use what you have
Use your own crockery and cutlery , tablecloths and placemats, or ask a friend if you can borrow some of theirs.
The trend these days is to curate a space that looks lived-in, so arrange your furniture in such a way where everyone has a space to sit around one common table. That’s armchairs, stools, benches and dining chairs — making it a comfertable place to enjoy each other’s company!
Don’t worry about it being formal or everything matching – there’s fun in the mismatch – but if you want to bring it all together then decide on a colour scheme and stick with it throughout. For example, all white crockery with greenery in jars on white table clothes and then bring in some colour or texture with fun serviettes.
3. Serve one signature drink
Instead of stocking a full bar, prepare one beverage in a large batch — like iced tea, lemonade or fruit punch — and serve it in pitchers or dispensers that will last the entire event. Here, you can also invite guests to bring their own spritzers or mixers to customise their drinks with what you’ve prepared. Keep jugs of ice water with lemon, mint and cut-up fruit as a refreshing palate cleanser.
4. Serve a sustainable menu
Think foods that will go further and fill bellies. Soups, rice dishes, pastas and casseroles are excellent choices for dishes that will feed everyone. If you’re hosting a larger party, invite guests to contribute to the snacks, starters and desserts. This way you can focus on preparing the main meal while guests enjoy their choice of refreshments.
Why not ditch serving a main meal altogether? Host a potluck, laying out a spread of smaller dishes and finger foods that guests can contribute to and enjoy. Take advantage of produce on discount, and explore dishes that are lively with plant-based nutrients — delicious chicken and vegetable soup, anyone?
@patt.leen Southafrican edition Potluck for 6. @Shaiie_Foeva #shadesofnudes #fyp #shaii_foeva @Prince Hama @Sthe @phyllisnqobiledam ♬ Siyaphambili - Zinhle ZIE ZIE Zondi
Words by: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography by: FREEPIK
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