How to Entertain House Guests on a Budget

You never prepare yourself for how much it costs to have house guests. You would think that since your guests have traveled to you, that they are the ones spending the money. However, once you add up your restaurant and entertaining bills from the weekend, you quickly realize how much your guests have cost you. Next time, enjoy your guests and save some money by entertaining them in inexpensive ways.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Prepare food ahead of time instead of running to the store at the last minute for expensive breakfast goodies. Bake banana bread or muffins before your guests arrive and you will be sure to impress them and save some money.
2. Cook meals at home instead of going out to eat. You will always offer, and probably insist on paying for your guests, so avoid this scenario and make dinner at home.
3. Take your guests to free or inexpensive local attractions like the beach or a lake where activities are the focal point, not shopping or dining.
4. Check your local newspaper for upcoming events that might interest your guests. A craft fair or an antique car show are inexpensive places to entertain your guests.
5. Schedule a movie night at your house instead of going to the movies. Get out your own movie collection and watch a movie your guest hasn't seen before. Make some popcorn and settle in for an inexpensive night in.
6. Dust off the board games and deck of cards. This might sound silly, but playing games with family or friends that you may not have seen for a while will probably be more fun than shouting across a table at a crowded bar. And, it's inexpensive.

Tips & Warnings

• If your guests want to venture out to eat, take them out for lunch instead of dinner. Dinner usually ends up costing you much more money.
• Don't be too cheap. If your guests are staying with you for a week, don't confine them to your home to save money. You may never see them again!

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