Spring in New England has been slow to arrive, but that doesn’t mean the calendar isn’t full for the months ahead. Baby showers, bridal showers, family bbqs, graduation parties; they are all around the corner. If you are hosting any spring gathering, you know that the cost adds up quickly, so here are some great tips to save you some cash without skimping on the fun!

Create a Budget Friendly Menu:

We all want to impress our guests with the spread, but certain foods are just cheaper than others. Think of items where a little goes a long way, like pasta salads, potato salads, or less expensive items you can throw on the grill. For example, choosing bbq chicken over steaks or burgers. When it comes to snacks and apps, stick to the easy ones like large bowls of chips and salsa or chopped vegetables and dips. Nobody will care if there isn’t an impressive spread of artisan cheese.

Let Others Chip In: How many times have you hosted a party and your guests ask, “what can we bring?” And how many times have you replied, “nothing at all, we have it covered”? Don’t do this! People want to contribute to parties and you should always let them. Don’t be shy to ask somebody to bring a salad, or bring their favorite wine or beer. You’ll make them feel included and relaxed as your guest.

Choose the Right Serving Items: Depending on the type of party you are having, you might save money by using the glassware and real plates that you own. While the convenience of serving paper products is appealing, the cost can add up, not to mention the waste. Trust that adults can handle real glass for their drinks and real plates for their food. If kids are in the mix, maybe only get paper and plastic for them.

Time of Day: Let’s face it, afternoon parties are just more casual than evening parties. The expectation of food and drink is much more low key and you can get away with finger foods, and a lighter spread. Allow the laid-back vibe of an afternoon party to take the stress of your wallet.

Whatever tips you implement to save yourself money on your next party, just remember to have fun. The most important part of any gathering is spending time with family and friends. People will remember the good time they had, not what was served or what the decorations looked like.