A dinner party does not have to mean filet mignon or Coc Au Vin.  You don’t need to spend hours or loads of money to impress and entertain with style.  With a little planning, you can pull off a great meal without going beyond your budget.   Our party experts have compiled great time and money saving tips.

Plug In Your Crock Pot.  Slow cookers are great, and a little under used kitchen appliances.  You can turn inexpensive cuts of meat into great stews, soups, and roasts.  The best part, you just combine the ingredients and walk away!  Leaving you free to focus on other important details like, finding the perfect party outfit! Check out some of these great recipes.

Pasta Cucina! If you don’t have a slow cooker, consider serving pasta.  It’s inexpensive and one package of spaghetti easily serves 6 adults. Check out these great pasta recipes.

Simple Greens.Pull together a very simple salad of herb spring greens.  You find it in the bagged salad section at your grocery store.  Dress with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and you have a perfect simple salad

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream! Fore go the formal dessert and make a simple ice cream bar.  You can serve it simply in a fluted glass topped with some of your favorite cookie crumbles or in a dish and provide just the basic toppings, fruit, chocolate sauce, crushed nuts and whipped cream.  Easy, simple and satisfying.

Bulk Wine. Purchase your wine in bulk.  You tend to get a discount for buying it in large quantities and you’ll have some for several dinner parties! You can also ask everyone to bring a bottle under $10 to mix and match.

You’ve Got Mail. Send online invitations. They are are free way to organize your party and bring your guests together before the party even begins.  Check out what PurpleTrail invitations have to offer.

Board Games. Ask everyone to bring their favorite board game and have a marathon game night.  It’s easy, free entertainment.

You don’t have to have a 7 course meal to provide a night of great food and fun for your guests.  The best thing to do is keep it simple and relaxed.  Happy planning!

Check out our inexpensive and creative centerpiece ideas.

Do you have a budget party planning tip?  We want to hear from you.  Email us at partyexperts@purpletrail.com