Hosting a Fourth of July barbecue is an awesome way to enjoy the best of summer with family and friends. But being the host can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, both cost-wise and stress-wise. It’s important to remember that you should have fun too! Believe it or not, you can actually throw a party for about 20 people for around the same cost as taking four people out to a restaurant, which is roughly $50. Here’s how you can save money on your summer cookout.
**Make it a Potluck**
Food often ends up being the priciest part of any gathering. To cut down on this expense, consider organizing a potluck. This is a popular approach, especially for summer holidays. Use an invite platform like Evite to list out what’s needed and ask each guest to bring a side dish or dessert that serves about 7-10 people. This lets you concentrate on the main dish without stressing about the sides.
**Buy in Bulk**
If you’re handling the main course, go for affordable choices like hot dogs or burgers. To maximize savings, stick with just one of these options. For hot dogs, set up an enticing hot dog bar with a variety of toppings like chili cheese, grilled onions, or just the basics like ketchup and mustard. If you opt for burgers, consider buying patties and buns in bulk from places like Costco, which are generally cheaper than local grocery stores. Keep toppings simple with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
**BYOB**
Another way to save is by making it a BYOB event. Alcohol can really drive up the costs, so offer to make one specialty drink, like hard lemonade or sangria, and let guests bring their own beer if they prefer it.
**DIY Lawn Games**
While chatting is great, adding some simple lawn games can really liven up your Fourth of July barbecue. Choose easy games like bocce ball or cornhole that you can whip up with things you might already own. You can also bring in classics like cards, Twister, or borrow a volleyball net from friends. And for some adult fun, you could download Cards Against Humanity.
What are your cost-saving tips for hosting a summer barbecue? How do you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July?