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Teri Gault, CEO and Founder of www.thegrocerygame.com has some great tips for throwing the perfect outdoor party! Teri’s effortless guidelines of party planning on a budget: early preparation & making a checklist! It’s that simple. Below, Teri has come up with just a few fun party ideas that won’t break your bank this summer.
The Essential Backyard BBQ:
The best part of the summer is being able to enjoy the company of your friends and family while enjoying the warm summer weather. Here are some fun and helpful tips:
* START EARLY! Whether it be for burgers or savory chicken on the grill, it’s always best to shop at your local supermarket and freeze the items before hand. Beat the summer holiday rush and shop a week or two ahead.
* CHECK OUT THE SUPERMARKET! They have a lot of great prepared dishes for you to start off with and add to. Save yourself some time and money and throw a fabulous party on a budget.
* BARTER & HAGGLE! Try talking with your local bakery or flower shop to try and get great deals on decorations or baked goods to give the BBQ all the right finishing touches. Never pay full price for anything.
* MAKE IT TAPAS PARTY! Assign every guest to bring some kind of small hors d’oevres (a fun kabob, mini-hamburgers) or appetizer. Finger food is always a party favorite and if everyone brings a little bit, then you’ll have variety at a low cost.
* COOKING PARTY! The best way to show off your great cooking skills is to cook with your friends. Have all your party guests bring all their ingredients to your home and cook together. Everyone will learn how to make your dish; it’s cost-effective and something new! It becomes both the entertainment and the meal for the party. for your guests, have everyone bring their own favorite
* TASTINGS! Instead of focusing on the food and providing all the alcohol, have guests bring a unique bottle of wine and serve them at the party. To make it a little more interesting, host a tasting of the wines your guests brought. At the end of the night, have guests vote on their favorite! Serve light food, such as cheese & crackers or hors d’oevres to keep it simple and in-expensive.
* THAT ONE INGREDIENT! Reminiscent of the Food Network Hit, Iron Chef, try getting creative with your guests. Provide one main ingredient (such as steak, fish, etc.) and have your guests bring the rest! Have them prepare the dishes in front of you and you can all vote on the best dish! It gives everyone a chance to try something new and leaves everyone sharing in the cost.
* FIND A NEW MEETING PLACE ! Instead of spending the time and money getting your house put together for the 4th of July, try hosting a party at a public park or pool. Have all the guests bring something to eat and drink. Have someone in charge of bringing a portable speakers to play some music and its’ a perfect, no mess, budget-friendly party!
Take your party or event outdoors
Entertaining Outdoors
Looking for some tips to host your backyard party or wedding outdoors, here are some things to consider
