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Holding a Fourth of July Barbecue is an American tradition. But in this economy, cheap is the rule!
Burgers and chips, chicken and slaw….Whatever the favorite meal is on July 4th, it has to be good and it has to be fun! Invite friends and family for a celebration worthy of fire works. Only this year, the party should be planned frugally.
How to Host a 4th of July Day Party on the Cheap
Shop at warehouse clubs. Now is the time to buy in bulk. Store extra frozen foods in a small freezer that can easily be stored in a pantry or extra closet. Small chest freezers can be purchased at a scratch and dent shop or on sale at a home improvement store. Bags of chips can easily be saved until the next party! Buy frozen hamburger patties to save labor, and freeze left-overs. Even coleslaw can be purchased ready-made in bulk. Buy fresh fruit seasonally from a farmer’s market.
Keep the Guest List to a Minimum
No need to invite every person you ever met this time. In these economic conditions, a small gathering of close friends and family is much more appropriate, and more affordable! Mingling with a lot of people you hardly know isn’t nearly as rewarding as sitting and talking to a few family members one doesn’t see as often as one would like.
Make it a Potluck Dinner
It’s a lot of fun when everyone brings a dish. Then people can try out new recipes and share them. This way, there is less pressure on the host, and guests feel they are contributing. Even hold a “contest” having everyone rate the best dish brought to the celebration. Have categories including “most unique” and “least homemade!” Everyone will get a kick out of it and they make great conversation starters!
Host an Independence Day Brunch instead of Dinner
Everyone is used to barbecuing on the 4th, but what about Eggs Benedict instead of charbroiled steaks on the grill? It’s a nice change and usually breakfast food is a lot cheaper! Find unique, free recipes on the internet and make some dishes ahead of time, including coffee cakes and casseroles. This will free up guests to go to a free fireworks display at a local park later on!
Dollar Tree!!!
Do you really plan on storing all the outdoor decor and trinkets to give your party that extra flare? No…. then if you want to have the matching tableware, signs, napkins, lights and signs, then you need to go to your local Dollar Tree or dollar store. They really do offer some cute one time use decor that has adorable themes.
Feature a signature cocktail
Don’t feel the need to have an open bar for your guests. You can either tell everyone that this gathering is a BYOB event or you can make one seasonal signature drink that everyone can enjoy.
Keep it Simple
Right now, you will find a whole host of BBQ items on sale. Stick to the basics, dogs, buns, chips, cookies and fruit and you will be able to stay within a reasonable budget. once you start getting “creative” and trying new impressive recipes, that is when your shopping list AND bill can really start to skyrocket.
Fireworks
These can really be expensive! If you’re not big on fireworks, then you are in luck, you can either enjoy the show all around you or visit a firework show in the evening. But, if you consider the firework show to be the main event, then you may want to consider a “dollar amount” of fireworks for everyone to contribute. If everyone pitched in with $20 worth of fireworks, then that will be quite the show. Even more exciting is the thrill of wondering what everyone contributed.
Even getting together for only drinks or dessert will be fun and less time-consuming. As long as people are socializing together, that is all that matters in the long run. Keep the party simple and cheap! Guests will remember the company, not the food.
