7 great ideas for entertaining friends and family on a budget
Catching up with friends and family for a get-together is always enjoyable, whether it's a casual gathering or something more elaborate. However, with costs increasing, it can be challenging to keep everyone fed and entertained without spending a lot of money.
To help you out, we've come up with seven clever ideas that will allow you to entertain on a budget while still having a good time. And, you won't have to break the bank to do it!
1. Create a budget first
When planning to invite people over, it's important to create a budget beforehand. By doing so, you can avoid overspending and determine how much you can allocate for the various aspects of the event.
Make sure to consider the number of people you're inviting, the location (at home or off-site), and any necessary purchases when creating your budget. This will help you stay on track and avoid any unforeseen expenses.
2. Bring a plate
One of the best things about getting people together is that everyone is there for the same reason - to catch up. As the organiser, you don't have to provide everything for everyone. You can keep costs under control by simply asking your guests to bring a plate – and their preferred tipple of course.
You can even add some fun by asking each guest to bring a dish that starts with the first letter of their name or setting a theme, such as their favourite childhood dish, a recipe from a specific country, or a popular dish from the 1980’s (or a decade of your choice). To avoid double-ups, you can also assign each guest a specific dish so you don't end with five lasagne and no salads!
3. Dinners are overrated!
Having a good time doesn't always involve sticking to the some routine. Why not try something different, like inviting friends over for dessert instead of dinner? Or you could host an afternoon gathering where everyone enjoys finger foods on a grazing board. This way, you can serve affordable yet satisfying snacks and still have a chance to catch up with everyone. Remember, the goal is to socialise and have fun - and with these delicious desserts and snacks you can do just that.
4. Arrange a game night
Catching up over food isn’t the only way to entertain your friends and family. You could also arrange fun activities like a game night. Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, Never Have I Ever and Cards Against Humanity are all pretty much guaranteed to get everyone involved – and laughing from the get-go. Depending on the numbers, card games such as Rummy and Poker are also good options.
5. Opt for a movie night
Another entertaining idea for a fun time on a budget is to host a movie night. You can make it as formal or laid-back as you like, depending on your preference. If you subscribe to a streaming service, you'll have plenty of movies to choose from. You could also invite your guests to vote on which movies they'd like to watch. Get the popcorn and snacks ready, open a bottle of wine, turn off the lights and settle in for a cosy and enjoyable evening together.
6. Use whatever is available
One of the best ways to host a budget-friendly event with guests is to use what you already have at home. Take stock of the entertainment, activities, and food items you have on hand or can easily arrange.
For instance, you could set up a board game that everyone is familiar with, make the most of the food in your pantry and fridge to cater to everyone, make use of the plants in your garden to create an attractive centrepiece for the table, or get creative and come up with a new cocktail recipe using the unused spirits at the back of your liquor cabinet.
Regardless of what you choose to do, it’s important to make the most of your resources to ensure both you and your guests have a great time - without spending too much of your hard-earned cash.
7. Organise a working bee
Perhaps not everyone’s preferred approach, but if you have a project that needs many hands to make light work of, hosting a get-together-come-working-bee could be a viable option. Although it may require providing food and drinks, this is often a small price to pay in exchange for the benefits of having a new deck built, a garden makeover, or a new outdoor space created.
Entertaining on a budget
There are many enjoyable and cost-effective activities that can help prevent overspending. However, if you want to go all out and entertain in style, we’re here to help. Take a look at our cash loans up to $5,000 - the application process is quick and easy, and once a loan is approved, the money is in your bank account, typically within a few hours. So you can get that party started, with all the fun and none of the stress!