How to have an outdoor dinner party on a budget

by Angie Morales-Link 12/02/2024

If you want to throw an outdoor dinner party without blowing your budget, you have plenty of options to consider. From DIY projects to efficient food planning, there are plenty of outdoor dinner party ideas that don’t require outrageous spending. 

Before you start planning your next outdoor event, consider trying these simple tips:

Prepare for your outdoor party

The right preparation is crucial for not blowing your budget. Buying the necessary items in advance rather than leaving them until the last minute will give you more options to choose from, prices included.

To save money on food, consider making your dinner party a potluck. If you choose to go this route, make sure you give your guests plenty of time to prepare a dish.

Repurpose an old table & chairs

Instead of spending a fortune on new outdoor furniture, consider repurposing indoor items. An old table and some mismatched chairs add charm to your backyard dinner party while also keeping you within your budget.

Do you have an old dresser or vanity gathering dust? With a quick sanding and a fresh coat of paint, either piece could make a perfect miniature buffet table or drink station for outdoor dining.

Use string lights for illumination

The best outdoor parties have excellent lighting and ambiance. The simplest and most affordable way to create beautiful outdoor lighting is with basic string lights. Install a few hooks in the wall, or hang them from a pergola for a twinkling sky effect. 

Even if you don’t have structures to hang lights, you can use them for beautiful ambiance and illumination. Create firefly lanterns with mason jars or larger glass containers and arrange them throughout the outdoor space to add some magic.

Outdoor events can be fun and affordable with the right planning. Consider your menu ideas, table setting and decor carefully to save money while throwing the best backyard dinner party possible.



About the Author
Author

Angie Morales-Link

Military wife and mother of 2, Angie is a proud real estate agent in Clarksville, TN. She moved to Clarksville in 2016 when her husband's orders took them to Fort Campbell after completing nine years in Savannah, GA. She wanted to take her love for serving her community and renovating homes to a new level, so she decided to dive in head first into real estate. In the past six years, she has become an expert in VA home loans to help other military families, new construction homes and first time home buyers. She also invests in properties, flips, renovates, and runs Airbnb homes. She is ALL-IN when it comes to real estate and knows first hand the best approaches ensure your family makes a smart investment AND falls in love with Clarksville.