Summer is here, and that means it’s party time! Making a party doesn’t have to be as expensive as your wedding; you can still throw an elaborate and festive event on a budget. Whether you want to throw a July 4th bash in the backyard or have a low-key BBQ, from decor to snacks, here is everything you need for your outdoor celebration.
Fun Floaties
A pool party is incomplete without pool accessories. Large novelty pool floats have become trendy over the last few summers. However, some of these blow-up toys can cost over $100. Instead of buying multiple expensive floats, try this tip:
Purchase one inexpensive float that doubles as a pool toy, like this avocado lounger with an inflatable “pit” ball. Decorate the rest of the pool with green and brown balloons from the Dollar Store for extra details.
Create a Signature Cocktail
If you’re having an adults-only pool party, a refreshing drink is a must have. Show guests you went the extra mile by creating a cool cocktail (and mocktail if there are children or non-drinkers).
This drink doesn’t have to have top-shelf liquor or champagne. By adding fruit juices like grapefruit and blood orange, the cheap alcohol taste is masked. Blend up some gin, juice, rosemary, and ice to quench everyone’s thirst.
String Together Seating
An outdoor party can be limiting with seating. You don’t have to buy a new furniture set to keep guests comfortable. Create unique and relaxing lounge chairs with this DIY hack: Go to the Dollar Store and buy 15 pool noodles (of the same color for a uniform look or multicolored for a pattern) and strong rope.
Arrange the noodles and cut 16 ft of rope; fold one in half, pass loop end under noodles, and pull loose ends through to secure it around the first noodle. Lay secured rope under noodles. Fold another 16 ft rope in half, tie it to the first noodle’s loop. Weave top and bottom ropes above and below noodles, interlocking them. Repeat to end. Secure all 4 ties to final noodle. Use two 16 ft ropes for each row. Weave 4 rows to secure noodles.
Get Gaming
A great way to entertain at a summer party is with a pool, music, and games. Games keep kids and adults off their phones and interacting with each other. You can find affordable outdoor games at the department store or even DIY them.
Cornhole boards can be pricey, so make your own with plywood, hinges, paint, a saw, and a drill. You can paint whatever design you like on it. If you don’t want to craft the bags, you can buy from the Dollar Store.
Finger Foods Are Always a Crowd Pleaser
Everyone loves food on a stick. Whether it’s a corn dog, veggie kebob, or marshmallow, these foods are easy to grab and eat at a party. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on whipping up a 5-course feast, stick to food on sticks.
Instead of spending money on plastic plates, buy a package of wooden skewers. Pop appetizers like mini hot dogs, cheese, sliced watermelon, and grilled veggies on them. You can even build a salad on each skewer. This is an affordable way to make food look appetizing.