Summer Entertaining on a Shoestring Budget

Money a little tight this summer? Don’t let that stop you from entertaining! These helpful tips can help you celebrate on a shoestring budget!

Summer is the season for outdoor celebrations, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather than by hosting a gathering with friends and family? But, the cost of throwing a party can add up quickly. From food to drinks to decorations, it’s easy to overspend and blow your budget.  Don’t let that stop you from hosting a memorable celebration this summer! With these clever entertaining ideas, you can create a fantastic event on a shoestring budget. From using natural elements for DIY decor to signature cocktails/mocktails made with affordable ingredients, I will share tips and tricks you need to host a fun and fabulous party without breaking the bank.  Let’s get ready to plan a summer party that will impress your guests without costing too much!

On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.  By using my affiliate links to shop, it helps me to be able to continue bringing you fresh new ideas and projects!  Thank you! 

Before We Get Started-

It is the first day of May and that means it is a special day on the blog! Not only am I going to share my favorite tips on budget friendly Summer entertaining ideas, I am joining together with several of my blogging friends. My friend, Carol from Blue Sky At Home organizes these monthly blog hops for us! I appreciate her hard work!  This month’s theme is Celebrating Summer.  From picnic ideas to delicious salad recipes to an assortment of Summer decor ideas, there are a bevy of ideas to jump start your Summer celebration planning! Links to everyone’s posts can be found near the bottom of this post. No matter how you arrived here today, whether you are one of my regular readers, you hopped over after visiting Carol (her Summer picnic ideas are top notch!) at Blue Sky at Home , or you found me on Google, I am so glad you are here!  My name is Kimberly and I have a passion for flowers (a former florist) and flour (a former pizzeria owner) and many things in between!  Especially rusty and chippy items!

Simple Summer Budget Friendly Entertaining Ideas

Creative Outdoor Themes for Your Summer Gatherings

Summer is a season that invites vibrant colors, lively activities, and a sense of freedom. To make your gatherings unforgettable, start by choosing a creative theme that resonates with the essence of summer. One popular option is a tropical luau. Transform your backyard into a Hawaiian paradise with tiki torches, leis, and a playlist of island music. Encourage guests to dress in floral prints and enjoy a menu filled with pineapple recipes. The laid-back atmosphere will make everyone feel like they’re on vacation without ever leaving home.

Another delightful theme is a garden tea party. Picture tables adorned with floral centerpieces, vintage teacups, and dainty finger sandwiches. This theme is perfect for an afternoon gathering where guests can sip iced tea and lemonade while basking in the beauty of your garden. Add a touch of whimsy with oversized hats and pastel-colored décor. The serenity of a garden setting combined with elegant touches will create a charming and sophisticated experience.

For a more casual and playful vibe, consider hosting a carnival-themed party. Set up games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and a DIY photo booth with fun props. Serve classic carnival foods such as popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs. Bright colors and festive decorations will bring the excitement of a fairground to your backyard. This theme is especially great for families with children, as it offers plenty of entertainment and opportunities for laughter.

Create a DIY Décor with Natural Elements

One of the biggest expenses when hosting a party is often the decorations. But, with a little creativity and some natural elements, you can create stunning DIY decor without spending a lot of money. Start by taking a walk outside and gathering items such as flowers, leaves, branches, and even rocks. Use these natural elements to create centerpieces for your tables or to add a festive touch to your backyard. You could also create a DIY photo booth backdrop using a curtain of greenery or hanging flowers. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that it’s all free!

Create a simple Summer shell themed centerpiece using shells you have collected on your summer vacations! One of my favorite dough bowl centerpieces incorporates sand dollars my grandmother collected! Dave’s kayak is a great touch don’t you agree? 

Coastal Themed Summer Dough Bowl Centerpiece

Budget-Friendly Summer Recipes to Impress Your Guests

And, with your decor set, it’s time to focus on the food. Delicious food is a cornerstone of any successful gathering, but you don’t need to splurge to impress your guests.  Don’t let the fear of expensive food ruin your summer celebration. There are plenty of ways to plan a creative and delicious menu without breaking the bank.

Start with appetizers that are both tasty and affordable. One great option is stuffed mushrooms. Fill button mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then bake until golden. These bite-sized treats are a hit at any party and can be made in large batches without breaking the bank. One of my favorite herbed cheese recipe can be found here: Quick & Easy Herbed Cheese Spread

Salads are another crowd-pleaser that can be both refreshing and budget-friendly. A watermelon feta salad is perfect for summer; simply combine juicy watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The sweet and salty flavors are a delightful contrast that guests will love. Another option is a Mediterranean chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette. These salads are not only easy to prepare but also light and healthy.

A fun idea is to create a DIY taco bar with fillings like beans, rice, shredded chicken, and veggies. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and guests can customize their own tacos to their liking.  For more details about these flavorful Walking Tacos, simply click on the link below the photo. 

Walking Tacos: The Perfect Budget Friendly Party Food!

Summer is the perfect thyme for simple outdoor grilling. And what could be simpler than hot dogs?  If your family doesn’t care for hot dogs, you can substitute grilled brats or even hamburgers!  My favorite easy to prepare side dishes include potato salad, macaroni salad, a delicious layered Jello salad, and grilled corn on the cob. For a festive dessert, I love to carve a watermelon into a basket and fill it with fresh fruit!  For tips on how to create the watermelon basket, please click on the link below the next photo. 

Simple Summer Barbeque Menu

Jello salads are an easy, inexpensive and refreshing choice for outdoor entertaining.  Just remember to have a way to keep it cold! My favorite Red, White & Blue Jello salad can be found here: Red, White & Blue Layered Jello Salad

Another way to save on food is to opt for seasonal produce and herbs to add a freshness to your dishes. For example, watermelon and feta salad is not only beautiful but also inexpensive to make. You could also create a charcuterie board with fresh fruits, nuts, and cheeses. The key is to keep it simple, make use of seasonal produce, and consider crowd-pleasing options that don’t require expensive or exotic ingredients.  To make things easier on yourself and share the cost of the food with your guests is to turn your party into a potluck by asking the guests to bring their favorite Summer salad or dessert.  You can supply the main course and the guests can bring the side dishes! 

Once you have your menu planned out, it’s time to move on to the drinks. I’ll share a few budget friendly cocktail or mocktail ideas. 

Make Signature Cocktails with Affordable Spirits

No summer gathering is complete without a signature cocktail or mocktail, and creating one doesn’t have to be expensive. Start with a base of affordable spirits like vodka or rum. One popular option is a mojito. Mix rum with fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. The refreshing taste and simplicity of the ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy on the wallet.

Another budget-friendly cocktail is a sangria. Use inexpensive red or white wine, and add a mix of fresh fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries. Sweeten with a bit of sugar and top off with soda water or lemonade. The fruity flavors and vibrant colors make sangria a delightful summer drink that guests will love. You can also customize it based on seasonal fruits and personal preferences.

Another idea is to create a refreshing summer spritz using prosecco and Aperol with a splash of soda water. Or, mix up a batch of margaritas using tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. By incorporating seasonal fruits like fresh berries or watermelon, you can elevate these drinks and give them a unique twist. To keep costs down, consider making a large batch of a signature cocktail and serving it in a pitcher, rather than stocking a full bar. This also ensures that your guests aren’t left waiting for their drinks. Making signature cocktails with affordable spirits not only adds a personal touch to your summer celebration, but it also allows you to stick to your budget. 

For a non-alcoholic option, consider creating a refreshing lemonade or iced tea. Add fresh herbs like mint or basil, and a splash of fruit juice for added flavor. Serve in large pitchers with plenty of ice to keep guests cool.

Another great non-alcoholic choice is a cucumber mint cooler. Blend cucumber slices with mint leaves, lime juice, and soda water for a hydrating and flavorful drink.

Another budget friendly idea is to simply ask your guests to bring their favorite beer, wine or soft drink. These options ensure that everyone, regardless of their preference for alcohol, can enjoy a refreshing beverage.

Once the drinks are taken care of, it’s time to move on to fun activities that will keep your guests entertained without breaking the bank.

Organize Fun Activities with Free or Low-Cost Props

Once you’ve figured out what food and drinks to serve, you’ll want to focus on keeping your guests entertained. That’s where free or low-cost props come in handy. With just a few craft supplies and a bit of creativity, you can transform your backyard into a fun-filled summer playground. Set up a DIY photo booth using a sheet or a colorful backdrop, and add some fun props such as hats, glasses, and signs. Your guests will have a blast taking silly pictures, and you’ll have memories to look back on long after the party is over. If you have a lawn, consider setting up some games like cornhole or giant Jenga. These classic games are easy to learn, and they’re perfect for outdoor gatherings. Plus, they’re inexpensive and can be played over and over again. By incorporating these fun and affordable activities, you’ll ensure your guests stay engaged and entertained throughout the evening. And, with your budget in mind, you’ll feel confident in knowing that your summer soiree was a success without breaking the bank.

Adding Lighting for Ambiance

Adding lighting to your backyard is an excellent way to create ambiance and set the mood for your outdoor gathering. There are numerous budget-friendly lighting options that you can incorporate into your backyard space. One of the most popular options is string lights. String lights are affordable, easy to install, and provide a warm and inviting glow.

Another budget-friendly lighting option is solar-powered lights. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and don’t require any wiring. You can purchase solar-powered lights in a variety of styles, including lanterns, string lights, and pathway lights.

If you’re looking for a more unique lighting option, consider creating your own DIY lighting fixtures. You can create lighting fixtures using materials such as mason jars, wine bottles, or tin cans. DIY lighting fixtures are not only budget-friendly but also add a unique touch to your backyard space. To set the perfect vibe for your party, make sure to create a thoughtful playlist that complements your activities and sets the mood.

Eco-Friendly Summer Entertaining Ideas

Hosting a summer gathering doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Start by using sustainable tableware. Choose reusable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposable options. If you must use disposable items, opt for biodegradable or compostable products. This small change can significantly reduce the waste generated by your party.  I used these glass snack sets that belonged to my Mom for a 4th of July party one year.

Another eco-friendly idea is to use natural decorations. Fresh flowers, potted plants, and greenery can beautify your space without the need for plastic or synthetic materials.

You can also repurpose items you already have, such as using jars and bottles as vases or candle holders. Creating decorations from recycled materials not only saves money but also reduces waste.

Quick & Easy Mason Jar Centerpiece

Consider serving locally sourced food and drinks. Visit farmers’ markets or local vendors to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and beverages. Supporting local businesses not only helps the community but also ensures that your ingredients are fresh and sustainable. 

Now it is thyme to relax and enjoy your party!

More Summerthyme on the Lanai

Thank you for visiting today!  I hope that I have given you some new ideas for Summer celebrations! 

Next on the hop is MaryJo from Masterpieces of Life sharing her deliciously refreshing Summer salad ideas! 

Celebrate the Holiday – Celebrating Summer

 

Bluesky at Home – Summer Picnic Ideas