Nothing ushers in the summer quite like a good Memorial Day party. While it’s all too easy to overspend when you host such an event, you can also do it on a budget. And, yes — everyone will still have a great red, white, and blue time. Presented by Save the Date Music, here are some tips for coordinating a killer Memorial Day party without breaking the bank.
Provide Furniture
A good place to start in your event planning is to make sure there will be enough places for people to sit, eat, and hang out. If you don’t already have outdoor furniture, or if you do but it’s starting to look extra shabby, you may want to consider adding some new items to your backyard. You can find a variety of affordable chairs, benches, tables, and other pieces when you look for ways to save a little cash, such as using Crate and Barrel coupons or spending some time online shopping for the best possible deals.
Shape Up the Landscaping
Another affordable way to create a welcoming environment for your party is to do some basic landscaping. After all, no one wants to hang out in an overgrown yard all day. Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, and clean up any clutter from your yard. If you want to go the extra mile, add a thin layer of mulch around your trees and in your plant beds, and add some native plants. It’s important to note that making significant changes to your landscaping could actually improve the value of your home, so make sure you keep receipts and make notes, especially if you’re planning to put your house on the market in the coming months.
Get a WiFi Booster
In a perfect world, all your party attendees would leave their phones at home, opting to gather around and have some old-fashioned conversations that run late into the evening. However, it’s 2022, and that’s probably not going to happen. Upgrade your WiFi to make sure everyone stays entertained (especially if there are kids and teens there). A WiFi booster, for example, will extend the range of your router and help more people have a better internet connection during their stay. Plus, it will help you play music and videos more easily.
Color It Patriotic
Red, white, and blue are the foundational colors of any good Memorial Day party. From the streamers and lights hanging from your trees to the dinnerware and napkins, patriotic colors are a must-have. While this is one of the most important aspects of the party, it also happens to be one of the least expensive. You can find most of the colorful decorations you need from dollar stores or for a reasonable price at major retailers.
Go with Classic Cuisine
Food is another essential aspect of your Memorial Day party. Here’s a tip: grill burgers and hot dogs. For one thing, they are as American as it gets. For another, you can usually buy them in bulk at an affordable price. Plus, who doesn’t like burgers and hotdogs? When it comes to the sides, it’s hard to go wrong with grilled veggies, potato chips, and/or pasta salad.
Roll with the Punches
If you’re serving alcohol at the party, this is where you will have to be especially careful not to go over your budget. While a full cocktail list is optimal, that can drain your bank account with one trip to the store. Instead, cover the bases by offering a patriotic-themed punch and some rosé or boxed white wine, and make the party a BYOB. That way, everyone’s happy!
Bring on the Games
You also need outdoor games happening at your outdoor party. Here are some budget-friendly activities that people of all ages can enjoy, some of which can be DIYed.
- Cornhole
- Badminton
- Horseshoes
- Beanbag toss
- Giant Jenga
- Lawn Twister
You don’t have to go broke to have an awesome Memorial Day party. Use coupons to get some appealing outdoor furniture, spruce up your yard, and look into WiFi boosters. Purchase some cheap patriotic-themed decorations, grill burgers and hotdogs, and offer punch as your main drink. Lastly, provide family-friendly backyard games to make sure everyone has a good time.
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