5 Ways to Host a Backyard BBQ on a Budget

By Kristl Story

Want to throw a summertime party, but you're pinching pennies? Invite a few friends over for a backyard BBQ, take advantage of simple summer fun, let mother nature do the decorating and enjoy! A backyard BBQ is both simple and budget friendly if you follow these 5 money saving tips:

1. Menu - Always check the grocery ads before planning your menu! Grocery ads come out each Wednesday in your newspaper and online, and prices are good through Tuesday. If ground beef is not on sale, but chicken thighs are...guess what you should be serving!
2. No sales, no worries - the all American hot dog can be the star if you dress them up with a fixins' bar: cheese, onions, chili, relish, slaw, ketchup and mustard.
3. Don't shy away from store brand condiments and chips because they're easily disguised in serving bowls, and they'll save you an average of 25%!
4. Grocery ads will also help you choose the best bargains for soft drinks, beer, chips and side dishes. Be nostalgic and serve a variety of ice cream bars for dessert!
5. Guests - Let your guests know that you're providing the meat and beverages, and you'd like them to bring a side dish or dessert. When they r.s.v.p., ask what they'll be bringing to avoid having a party with all desserts and no side dishes! Actually, if you have all desserts, invite me!
6. Utensils and Paper Products - The Budget Diet was recently featured in the June 27th issue of First for Women touting the dollar store as the go-to place for bargain utensils and paper products. A bag of 48 forks, spoons or knives is just $1 compared with the $8 box of 150 pieces (50 of each utensil) at superstores. You'll find similar savings on paper products.
7. Activities - Take advantage of simple summer fun like a water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest, horseshoes, croquet or whatever yard games you may have. How about coming up with some Minute to Win It challenges - it's budget friendly fun and entertainment!
8. Decorations - One of my favorite budget friendly table decorations is a simple glass bottle or glass soda bottle with a flower from your garden. Cost: $0. If you entertain outdoors frequently, it would be worthwhile to invest in oilcloth for table covers. You can cut it to fit, no hemming is required and it's easy to wipe clean and reuse. A simple red and white check oilcloth which would come in handy for BBQ's, picnics or Italian dinners. Oilcloth is sold at fabric stores for about $5 a yard, but be on the lookout for coupons or sales.

What are your favorite ways to host a backyard BBQ on a budget?

About me... 12 years ago, I left my job to stay home with our 3 children, and our household income was cut in half! Of course, I didn't want to change our lifestyle and more free time meant more time to shop, but how would shopping be any fun without money? I quickly discovered that the stay at home mom job description included more than just play dates...I was now the CEO of the Story family and also the maid, the cook and yes, the bargain shopper. So, my life on a budget began, and I created http://www.TheBudgetDiet.com to share money saving tips with other stay at home moms.