How to entertain on a budget

We’re all feeling the cost of living crunch right now but we also like to hang out with our friends and family. Here’s seven easy ways to throw an awesome dinner party without breaking the bank.

From delicious food to setting the mood, these 7 tips will help you throw a great party without blowing the budget.

Plan ahead

Pre-planning your menu can save you plenty. Choose recipes that share ingredients or feature in-season produce, and shop around for great specials.

Decorate with white

There’s a reason top stylists love white. It’s simple, chic and goes beautifully with food. Set your table with white linen, white napkins and white flowers for an elegant and affordable look.

Set the mood

Ambient lighting is key for evening affairs – fairy or festoon lights overhead are a cheap option, as are tea lights on every table. Use cushions and rugs from inside the house to cosy up hard surfaces outside.

Serve one signature drink

Skip the fancy cocktail list and serve a simple, two-ingredient mixed drink on arrival. Think G&T with a twist of lime.

Swap a cheese board for spiced haloumi skewers

While a stacked cheese board certainly looks the part, buying a selection of exotic cheeses can start to add up. Instead, stick with a hero bite, like Lemnos Haloumi. These barbecued starters are the perfect combination of salty (haloumi), sweet (honey) and spicy (smoked paprika).

Prepare food to share

Summer entertaining is all about serving big platters to share. To keep costs down, focus on simple, rustic dishes like barbecued lamb, fetta and roast vegie tart and classic potato salad.

Finish with a crowd favourite for dessert

We suggest pavlova topped with fresh strawberries and lime or individual, home-made apple pie ice-cream sandwiches. Sweet tidings!

For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.

Originally published as How to entertain on a budget