Spend Less on Your BBQ

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

27 Jun 2008 11:15 AM

Are you ready for the Fourth of July or summer BBQ? You might be discouraged from having your party this year because of the high food prices, but don't worry. There are still ways to reduce your spending for your BBQ without making your guest feel as though they are deprived.

Know what to grill

Fortunately for us, cheaper cuts of meat actually do better on the grill than do more expensive ones. For example, chicken thighs stay nice and juicy and hold up to a lot of rubs and seasoning, more so than do the more expensive chicken breasts or the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Good old hot dogs are inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk. Bulk up the meal with inexpensive fixings, such as homemade cole slaw or potato salad.

Choose your booze

We don't drink, so we don't have the expensive of alcohol, but if you do, think about the following tips. Since alcohol is usually the most expensive drink, use it to enhance or make pictures of mixed drinks, such as sangria, rather than serving the alcohol straight. A keg, half keg or quarter keg might save you some money over beer in cans.

Be smart about the extras

Reduce some of those extras that add up to reduce your BBQ budget. For example, place sharpies (permanent magic markers) near the cups so guests can wrote their names on the cups. This reduces the chance that they will get a new cup each time they grab a drink. Instead of expensive soda, would your guests be happy with lemonade and homemade iced tea? Instead of buying ice for drinks, can you make your own ahead of time?

Consider a pot luck

If guests ask what they should bring, go ahead and tell them. I for one am happy to bring a side dish or desert to a BBQ. It makes me feel more involved with the party.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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