Party ideas on a budget

Host an afternoon tea - Rather than host a formal dinner party, why not hold an afternoon tea? Instead of serving steak or shrimp, fill a platter with finger sandwiches and salads. Serve tea and lemonade. This is the perfect party for a sunny afternoon, especially if the social can be held outside on the deck or patio.

Host a luncheon - A luncheon takes a little more preparation than a tea, but less than a dinner party. Guests can enjoy a buffet made up of sandwich and salad fixings and something light for dessert. You don't need to spend a lot of money for fancy deli food either. Visit the refrigerator section of your supermarket instead. In fact, many supermarkets have a wonderful bakery for purchasing rolls and a large assortment of fresh vegetables for a salad. Best of all, you're not paying catering or gourmet deli prices.

Host a potluck - If you'd like to host a dinner party, but can't afford the spread, there's a great way to go about it. Host a pot luck dinner. Invite as many friends as your house can hold and encourage each to bring a favorite dish or two. No one will go home hungry and you won't have spent a lot of money.

Make your own - Food from scratch not only tastes better, but it's cheaper. If you're hosting a birthday, anniversary or any other party where a cake will be needed, make your own. Cookbooks and recipes on websites are very detailed. So, if you can read, you can bake. Even a boxed mix is cheaper than the bakery. Plus you can make your own salads, pastas and deli trays. If you have the time and inclination, there's no need to spend on catering or prepared foods.

This includes invitations - Don't spend money purchasing manufactured invitations. Make your own! Either by hand or by using an easy-to-use computer program. There are even websites in which you can send an "evite" to all your potential guests for free. If you or your children are crafty, there's no reason you shouldn't make your own invitations. If they can be hand delivered, you can also save on postage.

Decorate on a Dime - Sure, you can purchase decorations at your discount chain, greeting card shop or party emporium, but why put out all that money when you can get many decorating products at the dollar store?Not only can you buy the usual party staples such as balloons and crepe paper streamers, but you'll also find baskets, table cloths and tableware. The party store is also a great place in which to find large serving bowls (some of which can double as punch bowls) and inexpensive dishes.

Don't let a lack of funds keep you from hosting a party. Use some of these money saving tips and think of some of your own.Plan ahead and buy foods when they're on sale, never turn down offers of food and make as much as you can from scratch. The day is about enjoying the company of family and friends. If a good time is had by all, no one will ever know how little was spent.