Want to have a party but can’t afford the expense? Think back to your younger days. Remember when a bunch of friends used to get together at someone’s house and then just chip in a few dollars for pizza? The person hosting generally provided pop. Why not do that now? If it’s just a few friends and you want to get together, they won’t mind if you tell them up front.

Instead of worrying about coordinating a pot luck, invite friends over and have each pay a small amount for a take out feast. Generally Chinese food and pizza are the most shareable foods and you money will go farther. If you know enough people are coming then you could order family style dinners.

What about beverages? If you are just hosting adults you could forgo alcohol altogether and have water with lemons and limes in it for a light refreshing treat or you could provide sangria. If you crowd likes to drink, then tell people to BYOB or make a sangria or other alcoholic punch.

When you are going to a picnic in the park or other event and bring your own food, you could do that was well as just tell people to bring their own food and then just provide a non-alcoholic beverage and dessert. When a bunch of friends get together at a restaurant – each pays his/her own portion. Having takout can be cheaper than eating in a restaurant and more casual as well.

There are still ways to have fun with friends and entertain inexpensively. Be creative. Generally, most people will not gripe about getting together with friends on a budget.