8 Tips for Throwing a Backyard Party Without Spending a Ton of Cash

Dress up store-bought desserts and save

“Instead of spending $30 on a cake, serve mini desserts: Buy a large cheesecake for about $7 at the supermarket, then use a cookie cutter to cut it into cheesecake bites and top each with blueberries or strawberries. Chocoholics can eat brownie bites topped with whipped topping and crushed cookies. Serve the mini desserts on cake stands of various heights to add drama to your dessert table and make it look like you spent a ton.” — Janice Stahl, food stylist, Batavia, IL

Pick up serving-ware on the cheap

“When it comes to hosting a barbecue, instead of buying pricey serving dishes, I use plain white bowls and platters. Everything always matches, and it looks elegant. Pick up any pieces you might need at Walmart or swing by a thrift store, where you can also find serving utensils for 99 cents each. Choose metal pieces if you can: They usually have such a pretty sheen, which helps make your table look more rustic.” — Stacy Lyn Harris, author of Stacy Lyn’s Harvest Cookbook

Add low-cost double-duty decorations

“Succulents are big this summer. You can create a lovely table arrangement using them. Pick up a flat of about 60 small plants at Lowes or Home Depot, then make them into place cards or use them to label food: Just jot the information on a card and nestle in the plant. You can also let guests take them home as a favor.” — Bronwen Smith, owner of flower and event design company B Floral

Make $3 wine taste divine

“These days, you can pick up bottles of wine for as little as $3 at grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi and make them into white sangria. 

To do: Mix 2 bottles of wine and 2 cups of fruit juice — for a sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, I’d use lemonade or cranberry juice — then add 3/4 cup of triple sec and 2 cups of cut-up fresh or frozen fruit. Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. I’d also freeze some grapes and put them in the pitcher along with a few cubes of fresh watermelon just before serving. You will have beautiful, tasty drinks that will keep your barbecue budget low.” —Anthony Caporale, Director of Beverage Studies at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City

Turn fresh fruit into wow-worthy treats

“Summer is a great time for buying inexpensive fruit, and grilling it is a hot trend. There’s nothing nicer than something sweet after a feast of barbecued meats. Simply slice bananas or peaches lengthwise, then sprinkle with a pinch of brown sugar and toss on the grill, fruit pulp side down. It will take about 3 to 5 minutes on the lowest setting to cook. To serve, top with chocolate, whipped cream or marshmallows.” —Claudia Sidoti, Head Chef at HelloFresh.com

Pay less to fire up the grill

“Many people waste money by using too much charcoal — you only need about 10 to 15 briquettes. And paraffin wax starters cost half as much as lighter fluid, plus they’ll make the food taste better. For gas grills, placing lava rocks ($13.51, Sears) around burners can help you get several extra uses from the gas tank. The hot rocks distribute heat more evenly so you can turn down the gas while cooking.” —Bob “BBQ Bob” Trudnak, grilling expert at BBQ Gur

Set up “stations” to cut BBQ costs

“Instead of placing all the food on one long table, set up smaller tables all around — it’s an easy way to stretch your hosting dollar. To make sure the food goes as far as possible, I designate one table for side dishes, one for meat, one for dessert and another that serves as the bar. Creating these stations keeps guests moving and mingling, but it’s also strategic: Have guests start at the ‘sides’ table so they fill their plates with inexpensive veggie or pasta dishes. This keeps them from piling their plates with too much meat, and it really saves you money.” — Stacy Lyn Harris

Score great sales on meat

“I’ve discovered an inexpensive alternative to steak for barbecues: tri-tip, which costs $1.25 per serving on sale. Opt for ‘untrimmed,’ which has a layer of fat on the outside, making the meat juicy. Just rub it with dry seasoning, then olive oil and refrigerate overnight in plastic wrap.” — Teri Gault, author of Shop Smart, Save More ($8.43, Amazon)

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.