{"id":7469,"date":"2026-06-05T08:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stpaulfcu.org\/?post_type=education&#038;p=7469"},"modified":"2026-06-02T10:50:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:50:50","slug":"summer-entertaining-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"education","link":"https:\/\/stpaulfcu.org\/education\/summer-entertaining-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Entertaining on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is the perfect time to entertain family and friends, but your budget may not always agree. But all that hosting can come with extra costs. Fortunately, you can have your party, and your budget too. Here&#8217;s how to host the best gatherings this season without draining your wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-plan-ahead\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plan ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by creating a guest list and deciding on a theme or menu. This will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute impulse buys.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-keep-it-simple\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Keep it simple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your menu simple and focus on a few crowd-pleasing dishes that can be prepared in advance. Of course, you can always go for a barbecue in the summer, and grill your proteins and veggies on the spot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-host-a-potluck\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Host a potluck<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to host another dinner, but you don\u2019t want to cook for it, have a potluck. Divide your menu and have each guest bring one dish along for a varied meal that\u2019s easy and inexpensive for everyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-diy-decor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>DIY decor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get creative and make your own decorations using items you already have at home or inexpensive materials from a dollar store. You can use fresh flowers, candles, Mason jars or colorful tablecloths to add a festive touch to your outdoor space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-choose-budget-friendly-beverages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choose budget-friendly beverages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save money by serving budget-friendly beverage options like homemade sangria or signature cocktails. Consider shopping at discount stores or keep it dry and stick to refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-take-it-outside\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take it outside<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no need to book a venue when the weather is gorgeous outside. Take advantage of your outdoor spaces and host your gathering in your backyard or out on your patio. You can also have your party at a local park or scenic waterfront.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-shop-smart\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shop smart<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shop discount stores, warehouse clubs, or dollar stores for affordable party supplies, decorations, and disposable tableware. If you\u2019ll be hosting often this season, consider buying in bulk to save even more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-get-creative-with-entertainment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get creative with entertainment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entertainment doesn\u2019t have to cost a fortune \u2026 or anything, actually! Get creative with budget-friendly options like backyard games, DIY photo booths or even just a playlist of your favorite tunes. Encourage guests to bring their own games or sports equipment to add to the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a look at your <a href=\"https:\/\/stpaulfcu.org\/education\/first-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">budget<\/a> and let those savings sizzle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer is the perfect time to entertain family and friends, but your budget may not always agree. But all that hosting can come with extra costs. Fortunately, you can have your party, and your budget too. Here&#8217;s how to host the best gatherings this season without draining your wallet. Plan ahead Start by creating a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":7470,"template":"","education-category":[194],"class_list":["post-7469","education","type-education","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","education-category-tips-resources"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Summer Entertaining on a Budget - St. Paul Federal Credit Union<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends. 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