21 tips for hosting a dinner party on a budget

Budget entertaining made simple

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If you love to host but you’re worried about spending too much cash, start with these money-saving tips. From cheap-chic invitations to budget decorations and affordable meal plans, there are plenty of ways you can save money and still have a great time.

Forget fancy invitations

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Cards are a lovely touch but they don't need to be fancy. Either make your own or if you’d rather send an email, make it extra special by downloading and updating a free template. Sites such as Greeting Card Island offer a wide range of free invitation and e-card designs.

Set the scene

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If you’re keen on decorating your dining space, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to create an impact. Candles, fairy lights, flowers and handwritten place settings are all super-cheap yet stylish. Pound shops and supermarkets also great places to find attractive decorations at reasonable prices.

Borrow crockery and glassware

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If you don’t have enough tableware, ask around and see if you can borrow what you need from friends instead of buying new crockery. There are also plenty of companies (including supermarkets) that rent out glasses, tableware and decorations – although be aware that most require a deposit in case of any breakages.

Spruce up your water jug

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Add a few slices of cucumber or lemon to your water jug. This will cost you pennies but make it look like you've made extra effort.

Ask guests to bring a bottle

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Few people turn up to dinner parties without a bottle. But, it won’t do any harm to note that you'd like people to bring something to drink on the day.

Offer a signature drink

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Also consider cutting down on your alcohol costs by offering a signature drink. This way you’ll only need to worry about buying one type of alcohol, and you can stretch it further if you make a cocktail. Tell guests in advance that they should feel free to bring different beers or spirits if they prefer.

Throw a potluck party

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You could also ask everyone to bring their favourite dish to share. These ‘potluck’ dinners are perfect for keeping costs down and ideal if you’ve invited fussy eaters or anyone with a restricted diet. Just make sure your guests tell you what they’re bringing so you don’t end up with identical dishes.

Plan around what’s in season

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If you pay attention to the price of goods in the fruit and vegetable aisles, you’ll know that in-season produce that’s in plentiful supply is much cheaper. Here’s our handy guide to what to look out for in September.

Make something you know

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Although it’s tempting to impress guests with a fancy new dish, sticking to something you know could save you time and money. Simple meals can be just memorable as complicated recipes with unusual ingredients.

Make meals with just three ingredients

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There’s a growing trend for quick and easy recipes that require just a few ingredients. Do your research and you’ll find some really impressive dishes that could cut dramatically reduce your shopping list. Check out our three-ingredients dishes for inspiration.

Take stock of your cupboards

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Before you draw up a shopping list, do a stock take of the items you already have. A forgotten packet of frozen mince can go a long way – and you may already have the spices and seasoning you need at the back of the cupboard.

Look out for offers

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Planning ahead and buying in bulk could save you a fortune. Look out for buy-one-get-free offers and stockpile the ingredients you use the most often when entertaining.

Head to the deli counter

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Pre-packed foods often tend to be more expensive than loose items – and we’re not just talking about fruit and vegetables. Heading to the deli counter for fresh meats, marinated vegetables and olives is a great way of saving money and only buying what you need.

Don’t go overboard

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It’s easy to go overboard when planning a dinner party, but you don’t need to serve an overwhelming amount of food for the event to be a success. Be realistic about portion sizes and consider skipping the starters. For many people, a main course and dessert is plenty.

Keep starters simple

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If you do plan to serve starters, try to keep things simple. Bruschetta, chicken liver pâté served with crusty bread, hummus and vegetable dips are all very affordable options and easy to make.

Slow cook cheaper cuts of meats

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It’s amazing how slow-cooking can make even the cheapest cuts of meat melt-in-the-mouth delicious. To save money, opt for recipes that include beef brisket, pork shoulder, chicken thighs or drumsticks and a shoulder of lamb instead of a pricier leg. Read our slow-cooker secrets for stunning meals.

Consider going veggie

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Leaving meat off the menu can save money – and keep your vegetarian friends happy. You could try this recipe for mushroom ragu with a radish and pea salad on the side, or this simple aubergine, courgette and tomato gratin.

Prep like a boss

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If a dish such as chicken curry or chilli con carne is a your party piece, why not cook an extra batch and save it in the freezer for next time? Not only will you save time ahead of your next dinner but you’ll also avoid wasting any leftover ingredients.

Not everything has to be handmade

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Ease the pressure on yourself and your bank balance by picking up freshly baked pastries, cakes and tarts. They can be great value, and sometimes even cheaper than making your own from scratch as you don't need to buy speciality ingredients.

Try discount supermarkets

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Shopping at discount supermarkets can save you a fortune – and doesn't mean scrimping on quality. In May 2017, Aldi was recognised as having the best own-brand food of any supermarket at The Grocer’s Own Label Food & Drink Awards.

Do brunch instead

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Brunch is a great way of hosting a get-together that doesn’t involve preparing (and shopping for) three-courses. Sticking to fruit, croissants, bagels, eggs and bacon won’t break the bank and may leave you with enough money to buy a bottle of fizz for mimosas.

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