Entertaining + Get-Togethers on a Budget – Ep 84

‘Tis the season for parties, get-togethers, and hosting! While we’ve already explored frugal gift ideas, black Friday, + holiday fun; today we talk about entertaining. Having others over to our homes is not only daunting at times, but let’s face it; EXPENSIVE! Of course, some of us relish the opportunity to provide an enjoyable experience in our homes, while other’s of us don’t even know where to start! The good news is, having get-togethers can be more attainable and far more budget friendly than we thought! 

Sponsors: 

  • Personal Capital: Personal Capital is an online financial advisor and personal wealth management tool that allows you to see your entire financial picture at a glance. And you can get a free $20 amazon gift card by signing up for personal capital and linking an investment account with at least $1000 in it. Sign up through our referral link: frugalfriendspodcast.com/pcap to get yours!
  • Low Key Hang Out: The kind that you did in your college dorm rooms, or in high school after class – hanging out wherever, with no purpose, and no expectations. Low key hang outs – getting back to our roots and making it cool to save money, or just be broke 🙂

Notable Notes:

Last year in episode 30 we talked about whether Black Friday is worth it. Then in episodes 33 and 34 we talked about frugal holiday fun and frugal gift ideas; we’re excited to pick up where we left off and discuss how to entertain frugally!

What the Internet has to say:

This article from frugalwoods outlines some great ideas for hosting others  frugally.

What Jen + Jill have to say:

  • Instead of going out, offer to have friends over!
  • There are some great and tasty dishes that can be made in large quantities without busting the budget (i.e. chili!)
  • Consider something other than dinner – it doesn’t always have to happen over dinner! Think ‘drinks’ or ‘dessert’!
  • Have a potluck! Share the burden!

More from the Internet:

This article from Fun, Cheap, or Free  gives some excellent ideas on how to feed a crowd on a budget!

More from Jen + Jill:

  • Plan the menu AND think about time of day – we love the graphic the website provides regarding what to serve depending on the time of the party
  • Utilize ‘variety’ in your favor – having a little of a lot of items can a go a long way in looking classy, but remaining affordable
  • We LOVE their party food ideas – spoiler alert – there’s a lot of ‘bars’ (ice cream bar, potato bar,  breakfast bar, etc) – all very simple to implement and so inviting!

BILL OF THE WEEK –  Thanks Jill for sharing your bill about lowering bills – excellent tip to check out local vocational schools!

Lightning Round

Our favorite reasons to throw a party or get-together

  • The weather doesn’t suck!
  • It’s Tuesday! …or Monday
  • Your friend has a board game you haven’t played
  • Your place is finally decorated

Frugal Friends Book Club:

More To Explore

How to Get Quality Bedding

Mornin’ friends!  Sleep touches almost every aspect of our lives. It affects our immunity, memory, and even our finances. That’s why we’re going to focus

Read More »