Friends, Family, and Frugality

It really is possible to entertain family and friends on a frugal budget. You may not be able to serve the best wines, the fanciest appetizers, or the most elaborate gourmet meals. Nevertheless, you can still prepare delicious, home-cooked dinners for your guests to enjoy.

These simple meals are delicious, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities. Best of all, none of them will break your budget—which means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your party, without worrying about the cost.

Choose any of these options, add a fresh green salad and a homemade desert, and you’re all set!

Bon apatite!

• Homemade chili, grated cheese, sour cream, cornbread, tortilla chips


• Sausage or meatballs, red and green peppers, homemade tomato sauce, crusty Italian sandwich rolls, Parmesan cheese


• Creamy potato soup, crumbled bacon, grated cheese, diced green onions, homemade whole wheat bread
  
• Baked lasagna, garlic breadsticks, olive oil and fresh black pepper for dipping, roasted red peppers
  
• Belgian waffles, assorted fresh fruit toppings, whipped cream, breakfast sausage
  
• Chicken and green pepper fajitas, homemade tortillas, refried beans, sour cream, grated cheese
  
• Roast chicken, fresh corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade biscuits
  
• Hot roast beef and gravy, horseradish, sliced cheddar cheese, Kaiser sandwich rolls, potato chips, carrot sticks

How do you entertain your friends on a dime? What are your favorite party recipes? Is entertaining a regular part of your budget?