How to Throw a Fabulous Dinner Party on a Budget

Throwing a dinner party can be stressful and expensive, but they are always so fun! Aside from specific recipes, here are some suggestions to help make your dinner party go a little more smoothly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Don't invite too many people! There's no reason to stress yourself out and try to prepare for too many people, it's difficult to do and more costly. Keep the party at six to eight people (three to four couples) including yourself.

2. Keep it elegant but simple. Set the table as though you were a five-star restaurant, even if it's with all low-budget items. Use pretty table linens, candles, flowers and appropriate silverware and stemware. People will appreciate the beautiful atmosphere, not the price tag.

3. Prepare anything ahead of time that you can to ease the evening-of stress. Prep soups, salads and vegetables. It will save you time and pressure so you can focus on enjoying the party while it's going on, even as the host/hostess.

4. Be aware of presentation. Serve inexpensive food and beverage but glam it up. Pour water from a pitcher with slices of lemon or cucumber in it, pour cheap wine from a decanter for a better look and taste and use elegant serving platters for food. Also, take note of your plating and garnish your foods. Make them look pretty after all the effort you've put into cooking.

5. Serve numerous courses in SMALL portions and with SIMPLE ingredients. There's no need to stuff people, after all you want them to enjoy every course right up to the dessert. By serving small portions you can not only save money, but also allow people to appreciate the great flavors in each course.
   And use simple ingredients:
   -Start people with cheese and toasted baguette
   -Serve a soup or salad course
   -Serve lots of vegetables
   -Incorporate fruits in your dessert
   Cheeses, fruits and vegetables are relatively inexpensive and can go a long way at a dinner party.

6. Don't forget to serve coffee! It's inexpensive and it is an elegant way to end a meal.

7. Find a way to keep your guests occupied and happy. This shouldn't be difficult, after all they are your friends and they will be happy for the free evening as it is. Play a game or be sure to keep the conversation flowing; your fantastic food and decor might be all it takes ...

8. Keep it short and sweet. Don't feel obligated to host the party all night long. Serve dinner over an appropriate period of time and call it a night. It will leave people eager to come back and it won't exhaust you or your credit card.