Affordable Entertaining

I love throwing Halloween parties for my kids, since they love planning out their costumes, dressing up and of course the candy. This year I’m throwing a small Halloween get-together and with a mix of planning, creativity and some fun recipe and food ideas, anyone can throw a successful and inexpensive Halloween party.

In the summer months, there is nothing I love more than throwing together a backyard barbecue for our family and friends. With a smaller home, the great outdoors allows us to offer a comfortable place for our guests to spread out and enjoy themselves. Backyard barbecues can be practically effortless with a little bit of planning and preparation. I wanted to showcase some easy ideas for achieving a successful & fun backyard bash that will long be remembered.

Summertime is upon us, bringing with it fun parties, barbeques, family reunions, road trips, vacations and more. All of which can add up to a lot of money – if you don't plan ahead of time. Here are a few tips to help keep your summer spending in check.

Most people think of Valentine’s Day as the holiday of love. But don’t forget it’s also a time to celebrate friendship. Celebrate with friends this year by throwing a Valentine’s Day party. Whether you are planning a Valentine’s party with your own friends, or a party for your kid’s, here are some tips to help you make it a success for less.

Fall is a great time to gather with family and friends for a fun tailgating party. While tailgate parties may be informal events, they require a bit of thinking and planning to make sure everything comes together smoothly --and inexpensively. Here are some tailgating ideas to help you plan the best tailgate party your money can buy.

The summer is my favorite season to entertain. I love having people over during the summertime because throwing a party in the summer is cheap and easy. Here are a few ways to take the heat off your wallet when throwing a summer party.

Birthday parties are all about creating memories for our children that they’ll remember forever. These gatherings also have the potential to become very expensive projects that zap energy and empty pocketbooks.

You don’t need to bust your budget when throwing a party. Here are some easy ways to save.

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. I love everything about the cooler weather, the warmer clothes and the colorful foliage. My most favorite of seasons ends with my most favorite of days — Thanksgiving!

One of the best parts about autumn is the food and snacks: soups, roasted veggies, meats and delicious warm breads. Plus, with football games galore and Thanksgiving on the horizon, there are many chances to eat with friends and family. These large gatherings always call for snacks, and lots of them!

Need great party food recipes and ideas for your next party or family event? Check out our holiday and entertaining recipes and party ideas.