how to throw a fun dinner party on a budget

#CreditChatWednesday | 3 p.m. ET

Throw a Fun Dinner Party on a Budget

Personally, I think great food is important, but the keyto a really fun dinner party is bringing together

the perfect mix of people because the group attendingwill keep the energy exciting and fun.

BrianWorley.com

- Brian Worley @YourBASHbworley

Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. This week, we talked about frugal dinner party planning.“

Check Out All the Tweets and Resources:

bit.ly/frugal-dinner

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

What mistakes have you madewhen planning or hosting a dinner party?

Getting too worked up about what could go wrong. Tweet by @Magnify_Money

#CreditChat

DINNER PARTY MISTAKE

I either make way too much food or not enough.

#CreditChat

DINNER PARTY MISTAKE

Tweet by @Shadow62310

Making things too complicated.

#CreditChat

Tweet by @MelSmithJones

DINNER PARTY MISTAKE

Focus on friendship and not trying to impress.

Making things that need constant attention so you can’t party. Tweet by @MelSmithJones

DINNER PARTY MISTAKE

#CreditChat

Just remember your guests are coming to see you.

#CreditChat Tweet by @AJosephStyle

Not thinking about plates, forks, cups.

Tweet by @MelSmithJones

DINNER PARTY MISTAKE

My friends and I invested in a reusable set.

#CreditChat

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

What’s a fun, budget-friendly wayto invite people to a dinner party?

I love Evite or Paperless Post to send out invitations.

Tweet by @AdvantageCCS

#CreditChat

They even have print options, too!

Tweet by @Shadow62310

Texting saves you a lot of money. And not everyone has time to check their email everyday.

Facebook RSVPs are NOT Real! Don’t trust. Tweet by @MsMadamMoney

#CreditChat

Good old-fashioned phone calls are the best way to get people there. Tweet by @CreditInfoCentr

#CreditChat

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

What are affordable ways to set the mood for a fun evening?

#CreditChat

Tweet by @Magnify_Money

Stream @Pandora or @Spotify through a Roku player or computer.

Using food (fresh veggies or fruit) is a colorful and edible way to decorate. Tweet by @Annuity_Org

#CreditChat

Always look at the Dollar Store or thrift shops for decoration ideas.

#CreditChat

Tweet by @magnify_money

Things don’t need to match!

#CreditChat

Tweet by @Annuity_Org

Explore Pandora stations ahead of time for a good theme.

Tweet by @MelSmithJones

Surrounding yourself with awesome people.

#CreditChat

Building friendships cost in time and effort, but the ROI is massive.

Forage for flowers and branches.

#CreditChat

Tweet by @AJosephStyle

PARTY DECORATION IDEAS

Get a quality set of base party supplies (I get everything in white).

Tweet by @MelSmithJones

PARTY DECORATION IDEAS

#CreditChat

Then add per theme (pinecones for fall, etc.).

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

Can you recommend any budget-friendly appetizers?

Pigs in a blanket is my go-to. I also stick with a killer veggie platter: roasted veggies, chips, hummus, yogurt dip ...

Tweet by @MoneyMattersMan

Tweet by @Krissylynn

I always do a cheese/salami/cracker plate that is fantastic. Trader Joes has a great selection for all and AFFORDABLE!

We throw a fondue party every year! We supply the cheese and chocolate.

Tweet by @StephTheBlogger

Guests bring dipables and drinks.

Tweet by @magnify_money

Veggies and hummus. Simple, healthy and usually pretty cost-effective

#CreditChat

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

What are some frugal and festive drink options to have available?

Tweet by @creditinfocentr

Spruce up a pitcher of water with cucumber slices and mint.

#CreditChat

#CreditChat

Tweet by @GraceKvantas

My go-to festive, inexpensive beverage: homemade apple cider! Apple juice + cinnamon + cloves + oranges.

Tweet by @Annuity_Org

Have guests bring most of the drinks. They pick their favorites and you provide the food.

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

Do you have advice on how to savemoney on dinner? Any favorite recipes?

Tweet by @AverageJoeMoney

Don’t underestimate “communal” meals. There’s something symbolic about eating from the same pot like a chili or gumbo.

#CreditChat

Tweet by @magnify_money

Crock-pot recipes are easy, cheap and can feed a lot of folks.

#CreditChat

Pasta is cheap and easy. Have friends bring salad and garlic bread. Tweet by @KrissyLynn

#CreditChat

Big casseroles - like an apricot chicken are easy on my purse, guests love it. Tweet by @QueenKelso

#CreditChat

Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET#CreditChat

Any final tips to stay stress-freewhile hosting a party?

Tweet by @Krissylynn

#CreditChat

Have fun! Don’t stress about burnt garlic bread. Trust me.

Tweet by @MelSmithJones

#CreditChat

Just. Have. Fun. That’s kind of the point, right?

#CreditChatWednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

Check out all the resources and tips shared:

bit.ly/frugal-dinner

#CreditChatWednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

Join Us Every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.

bit.ly/join-creditchat

Subscribe & Check Out: