How to Plan Your Summer Party on the Cheap

Everyone loves a great margarita, some yummy spicy bbq chicken, and potato salad. So how do you get all the "fruits" of the summer for your bbqs and get-togethers without breaking your budget? I have spent many years perfecting the art of throwing a great summer bash without blowing my budget and you can too!

First thing is first-Instead of mailing invitations, use Facebook, Myspace, Xanga, your Blogspace, and don't forget your email to let everyone know. Save yourself the insane $.41 postage and create a fun online invitation where everyone can auto-reply instantly! Not only does it save you time, but also money and trees! For those annoying friends without email or internet access, just pick up the phone and send them a text message or give them a ring: then inform them about cheap internet rates and that they will no longer be invited if they don't get into the 21st century soon!

Location Location Location. Who said you needed a big back yard to throw your summer parties? My hubby and I throw awesome BBQ's on the comfort of our tiny city apartment deck and 8x8 foot lawn space. Trust me; most people like to cozy up and get to know one another if they don't already. Space is never an issue unless you're inviting over 50! And if you are, check into local parks and use their reasonably priced pavilions that usually offer a BBQ stand and trash pick up. Plus, you'll be giving money towards a great cause: your local parks and community!

The biggest part of a summer bash is the food. You know your second bestest is not showing up to see your beach boys dance moves, she's showing up for your killer potato salad! So make that killer potato salad, and provide the meat (such as chicken bbq, burgers, or hot dogs and sausages) but have everyone bring their own dish. The easiest way to organize this without having everyone bring chips and salsa is to go by last name. For example, A-F should bring a salad, G-N should bring a dessert, and so on. Get creative with it! Make them all bring something with a tropical thing, or only bring things that start with the letter Y: wouldn't that be fun? When it comes to purchasing your meat, go bulk! As much as I hate to say it, Walmart offers some great deals on good meats, but also look around at local butcher shops for good deals.

Alcohol can be the biggest expense when planning a party. Make it a BYOB! But please, don't forget to provide mixers such as juice, ice and granada for your friends packing the liquor. Being the hostess doesn't have to be expensive, but you don't want to make everyone else pay for your party either. Make sure to provide soda and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests. Dollar Tree has great, cheap soda, and better yet, it's only a buck!

Again on dollar tree, it really is one of my best party friends. They have great decorations for any type of party and they're cheap! It's always fun to wear a lei around and the lei all the people you want! Don't forget to pick up cheap paper products there such as plates, napkins, utensils, and cups. They offer tons of different colors to match your theme.

Music is a dire necessity for a good party. If you have a laptop, hook it up to some big speakers and blast away. Otherwise, a car stereo can work for a pavilion area if you're having it at a park. Don't make a big deal of it, but make sure to download some great tunes that are in tune with your theme for the party. Tunes keep the party moving when the food has run out.

I believe that you can have a very successful and fun summer bash for 25 people without spending over $50.00. Can you believe that? Take my tips with you to the store and you will become a believer in the great summer bash, on the cheap.