If you are like me and host the family for the Fourth of July Celebration, it’s easy to spend a lot on just one party. Here are some tips for hosting a great gathering but not spending a fortune.
The 4th of July is a great time to get friends and families together. Before or after your party celebration, visit one of the many FREE fireworks displays in and around Wichita. Click HERE for the complete list of events, fireworks, parades, and more for independence day.
Some of you know this, but I was the Director of Special Events at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, for 9 years, and here are some of the ticks I use when hosting a party at home.
Tips for Saving Money on your 4th of July Party:
- Food and Beverage:
- Make it a potluck! This will help you save on food costs and make it easier for you as the host. When I host, I usually do the meat and have everyone else bring the sides.
- Pass on the sodas. Make a big batch of lemonade or iced tea.
- Don’t buy bottled water. Make a big pitcher of ice water.
- If you are serving alcohol, make a big batch of a special drink or a pitcher of margaritas. Provide one fun summer cocktail and have everyone else BYOB – Bring your Beer/Beverage.
- Don’t tell, but this is when I get rid of my alcohol bottles that are 1/4 gone. I mix what I have in the cabinet and hope for the best, ha. Use a frozen lemonade mix, OJ, from your fridge, throw in some fruit you already have, and I always add Fresca. It makes every drink better.
- Serving:
- My favorite trick is to use smaller plates! Yes, the smaller the plate, the less food your guests will grab. This will help keep food costs down and cut done on portion sizes.
- Caterer PRO tip:
- Put the least expensive food item at the front of the buffet.
- Put the bread before the meat.
- Put your meat at the very end.
- Your guests will fill their plates with the less expensive items first and leave less room for the more expensive meat.
- If you use plastic cups, provide a pen so each guest will only use one cup. The cheapest way is to use your everyday glasses, but plastic is better and safer for a party.
- Don’t use disposable plates and utensils. It’s more work watching dishes, but it will save you money.
- Don’t use disposable plastic tablecloths. Use a sheet, blanket, beach towel, or something around the house.
- Decor for your Party:
- Decorate with items from around your house!
- Walk around and gather any red, white, or blue decor you have.
- Go in the backyard and cut your centerpieces. Use glasses or canning jars you already have. Even cut some of your weeds and stick them in a vase. Kansas has some cool-looking weeds, and when placed in a vase. It gives the weed a whole look identity.
- Entertainment:
- Your guest will remember a party by how much fun they had, so have some entertainment.
- Bring out your backyard games.
- Download the FREE app “Heads UP” on your phone. This is one of our family favorites.
- Play music – it helps create the party atmosphere
- Click HERE to find some fun party questions to break the ice
- Your guest will remember a party by how much fun they had, so have some entertainment.
- Other Party Tips:
- Let everyone know specify what you will be providing.
- Think about what is really needed, and don’t overbuy.
- Make a budget and stick to it,
- Visit the Dollar Store or Dollar Tree for party decor.
Click HERE to see the 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, and Events in and Around Wichita.
