The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays – you can’t beat food, family, and fireworks! We’ve had the same tradition of gathering at my aunt and uncle’s house since elementary school, so I look forward to cooking out with them every year.
Unfortunately, this will be the first Fourth that my uncle won’t be celebrating with us, as he passed away last October. We’ve decided to all pitch in to take some of the workload off of my aunt – plus, I’m always looking for an excuse to help plan a party! Hosting a get-together doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially when you have plenty of helping hands. Check out a few of these tips for partying with only pennies to spare.
1. Host a potluck. Stocking up on groceries and preparing tons of food isn’t just expensive, but time-consuming, as well! Invite friends and family over and ask them to bring something to contribute – a side dish, dessert, plates and napkins, etc.
2. Keep your drink menu simple. There’s no need to stock the bar; keep your drinks basic – soda, lemonade, beer, and water, and you’ve got all of your bases covered. Invite friends to BYOB if they’re interested in getting a little more creative.
3. Use dollar store decorations. The dollar store is my favorite place to get cheap decorations to set the feel for a casual party. You can find anything from festive plates and glasses to streamers and table centerpieces. And you guessed it… it won’t cost you more than a buck a piece!
4. Check out local events. Don’t have the space to host a party? See what’s going on in your community! Head over to a local festival or parade for free entertainment. Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic to save even more money.
5. Catch your fireworks for free. Many local parks don’t charge admission to watch their fireworks show. If you live close enough, you can even catch them from the comfort of your own home! Chances are, you can probably sit on your porch and see a few different displays any which way you look. We were thrilled to find that we had the best seats in the house last year for a few smaller shows put on by our neighbors.
How will you be celebrating the Fourth of July this year?
