🍉 Summer Hosting Hacks: Tips for Feeding a Crowd on a Budget
Hosting a summer get-together doesn't have to drain your wallet. With a few creative tricks and smart shortcuts, you can throw a fun, food-filled bash that feels like a million bucks — without spending it.
🛒 1. Plan a Potluck-Style Menu
Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert. Create a fun theme (like “backyard BBQ favorites”, “retro picnic” or family themes (think inside jokes, family heritage etc) so it feels intentional, not cheap.
🥣 2. Bulk It Up with Budget-Friendly Bases
Stretch your menu with filling, crowd-pleasing staples:
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Pasta salad (keep it simple, like this one from Save with Pennies!)
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Sliders with mini buns
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Chips & homemade dips (don't forget to make those dips a day or two ahead for ultimate flavor!)
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Fruit skewers with dollar store picks
🍹 3. Serve a Signature Drink
Skip the full bar and make one big-batch mocktail or cocktail. Think lemonade with mint, sangria, or iced tea with fruit. Bonus: it looks fancy and saves cash. Want to elevate everyone's taste buds? Serve up a big, frosty batch of Refreshing Brazilian Lemonade! It's zesty, creamy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
🎉 4. Use Dollar Store Decor
From plastic tablecloths to festive serving trays and even outdoor lights – the dollar store is your best friend. Keep it all in a patriotic or bright summer color scheme for a pulled-together look.
🔁 5. Re-purpose What You Have
Use mason jars for drink glasses, turn a laundry basket into a cooler, or style your food on cutting boards. Hosting hacks don’t have to cost a dime..they just need a little creativity.
👕 Bonus: Add a Fun (and Functional!) Tees to Your Summer Hosting Look
Hosting a backyard gathering or family reunion? These t-shirts from Shirt Girl Problems on Etsy! Add both fun and function to your summer setup:
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👉 “Allergy Warning” Tee – A must-have for guests or kids with food allergies. It’s cute, clear, and can help everyone stay safe around the buffet table.
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👉 “Grill Daddy” Chef Shirt – For the king (or "Grill Mama" for the queen) of the grill. Let them serve looks while serving up burgers.
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👉 Custom Family Reunion Tees – Hosting a big crew this summer? Custom matching shirts make for great photos and even better memories.
Have a safe and happy summer!! 😎