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How to Host a Summer BBQ on a Budget

These tips will help you host a summer BBQ on a budget so that you can entertain all summer long.

Keep things simple and use easy recipes like these cold summer dips to make all your guests happy.

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How to host a Summer BBQ on a budget

How to host a summer BBQ on a budget

The classic summer BBQ remains one of the best ways to entertain people during the summer months. We love being outdoors and spending time with the ones we love–don’t you? When you entertain on a budget, you can still host BBQs several times throughout the summer.

Hit the Sales

Grocery stores have you covered during the summer months, especially around Memorial Day and the 4th of July. You’ll find everything from chips and soft drinks to hotdogs and mustard on sale.

Whenever there’s a good deal, stock up. When you buy things on sale, you don’t pay a higher price later, and you’ll be able to afford more BBQs.

Keep the menu simple - BBQ on a budget

Make Drinks by the Gallon

Another great way to save money is to make drinks by the gallon. Lemonade, iced tea, and Kool-Aid are all very inexpensive to make.

You’ll save tons of money throughout the summer months. And don’t forget to keep some pitchers of filtered water handy as well.

Keep the Menu Simple

You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make your friends happy. When people come to a summer BBQ, they’re expecting simple, good food. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and grilled chicken are all great options.

Of course, you can also cook a Boston butt roast (pork shoulder) low and slow all day long and then make some pulled pork BBQ for everyone. You can often find Boston butt roasts on sale.

How to throw a Summer BBQ on a budget

Ask Guests to Bring a Dish

If you really want to host a summer BBQ on a budget, turn it into a potluck. Ask your friends to bring their favorite dishes, drinks, desserts, etc.

You can even ask someone to bring the disposable plates and forks. If you want to get together with friends every weekend, this is a great tip to make it affordable.

Shop the Dollar Tree for Other Needed Items

Last, but not least, the Dollar Tree always has great items for your summer BBQ. You can find plates, napkins, forks, disposable tablecloths, placemats, cups, and more.

If you want to jazz up your covered deck a bit, use the thin plastic tablecloths to create curtains and tie them back with a bit of jute twine (also available at the Dollar Tree).

How to host a Summer BBQ on a budget

Summer BBQs do not have to be expensive. There are so many things you can do to make entertaining more affordable!

More ways to save this summer