When money is tight we’re hit with a dilemma: we want something to lift the gloom, but everything that would do it seems to cost too much. Football tickets? Yikes! Who knew a game could cost so much. Dinner out? Wow! Will you look at that bill. But giving a party can resolve that dilemma. It can offer a great time for everyone at minimal cost.

One way is to ask everyone to pitch in. Sure, when you’re flush you’d like to treat everyone to gallons of free booze and great food. But your neighbors are all in the same situation as you. They’ll understand that isn’t feasible right now.

Dividing the cost – by asking a few to bring the drinks, another a special dish, a third and fourth some dessert, and so on – cuts each guest’s contribution down to modest size. Yet, with everyone pitching in, it isn’t necessary to settle for plastic cups, chips, and cheap beer.

If you really want to treat everyone and still have money left over to eat the rest of the week, that’s possible too. It just takes a little creativity and labor.

There are literally thousands of recipes available online that contain inexpensive, but tasty and nutritious ingredients. Dozens of Italian dishes cost very little to make, thanks to plentiful pasta and savory sauces. Look around the world – at Mexican, Greek, Russian, Chinese, and dozens more – and you’ll soon find something that is distinctive and delicious… and low-cost.

If you have the time and talent, you can even make your own beer. Many home brewers make a fine beer and you’ll get something that your guests can find nowhere else at a fraction of the normal cost. Ditto wine, which takes a bit more planning ahead and higher skill. Making hard liquor at home is not generally recommended for anyone but the experienced aficionado, since the results can too easily be toxic.

But dinner parties are only one type of get together and there are ways to save even more on others.

Music and dancing is more often enjoyed at clubs today. But the cost of drinks, and more can put any party out of reach of today’s budget. Instead, ask everyone to bring their own and supply the music and dance floor at home.

If the music happens to be the quiet kind, you might even make a stab at reviving the dwindling art of conversation. After all, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be inviting people you actually want to talk with.

One basic way to save money on anything, parties included, is to do something different. Look for new ways to do old things or new things to do. The savings you gain is something that never goes out of style.

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