How to Plan a Barbeque on a Budget

Barbeques are known for being informal get-togethers, but unfortunately informal doesn't always translate into cheap. Here's how to plan a barbeque that fits your budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A barbeque grill
• Seating
• Plates, cups and utensils
• Iced tea and lemonade
• Coolers
• Ice
• Citronella candles

1. Invite guests by phone, and skip the cost of invitations and postage.
2. Plan an affordable menu. Hamburgers and hot dogs are standard barbeque fare for a reason--they're cheap. Nab extra savings by purchasing bulk-sized packages of meat and by shopping sales.
3. Make it a potluck. Have everyone bring a side dish or dessert, and limit your expense to the main dish.
4. Serve drinks in bulk. Canned and bottled drinks can get pricey, so stick to things that can be made and served in bulk. Lemonade and iced tea are sure to please, as are batches of frozen blender concoctions.
5. Decorate with what you have. Leftover party streamers, Christmas lights and candles borrowed from your home can all be used to set the mood for your barbeque--and won't cost you a penny.
6. Keep the seating informal. Short on tables and chairs? No need to buy more. Just lay blankets around the yard, and you've got instant seating.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to leave money in your budget for citronella candles--nobody likes to get chewed up by mosquitoes.
• Use clothespins to keep tablecloths in place.

Who Can Help:

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