The Art of Inexpensive Backyard Parties

Have you ever flipped through a home-decorating magazine and seen a spread on backyard parties that made you drool? Did you gaze longingly at the sparkling lights, colorful food and beautiful people-and then glance at your wallet and opt for a movie night instead?

You're not alone. But remember, those magazines deal in fantasy. They have sky-high budgets and professional stylists. Us normal people have rock-bottom budgets and a drawer full of mismatched forks. But we have something those magazines don't have: real friends, real food, real family, and real potential for a really good time.

A summer backyard party is entirely within your budget-as long as you're not set on shiny new dishes and a renovated patio. The key to a successful party is to remember that people are there to have fun. They're not expecting white linen and calla lilies: they want to eat, drink, and laugh. And that kind of gathering fits any budget.

Here are some ideas for hosting the soirée of the summer on a shoestring. Our suggestions are organized into the three main buckets of party-throwing goodness: Décor, Entertainment, and Food/Drink.

Décor

Lunch bag lights
You may have seen luminarias (or little lanterns) lining the sidewalk on Halloween. Despite their exotic name, you can easily (and cheaply) make them with paper lunch bags, candles, and sand.

Buy a pack of paper bags at any grocery store (or use your own stash of recycled bags). If you want to get really festive, buy colored or pre-printed bags. Put a few inches of sand (available at do-it-yourself places like Home Depot in the bottom of each bag and sink in a tea light or votive candle (you can find these at grocery or craft stores). When you're ready to get the party started, use a long match or candle lighter to fire them up. The sand acts as a ballast and fire protection (but keep an eye on them nonetheless, and have a fire extinguisher handy). Get the kids involved by perforating or drawing on the bags-or don't: luminarias are festive and fun even in their basic form.

Happy (summer) holidays!
Christmas lights aren't just for Christmas anymore. They're campy and fun and add a flattering glow to any gathering. Dig out your holiday stash-the white ones work best for summer but even the colored ones will do the trick.

Inside out
Instead of buying expensive new backyard furniture, consider moving your living room outside for the night. Imagine the Martha Stewart-esque look of having sofas and armchairs on the patio, draped with throw rugs or blankets for when it gets chilly. You can beef up your arrangement with inexpensive chairs and coffee tables from your local thrift store.

Center Peace
We're used to centerpieces inside, by why not outside as well? Mismatched vases and containers cost practically pennies at the Salvation Army. They're a fun and funky way to showcase flowers from your garden at the party. And don't dismiss the blooms that are less-than-perfect: sprinkle their petals on the table or serving area. If you find glass bowls and vases at the thrift store, fill them with inexpensive summer fruits for even more color.

Entertaiment

Campy camping
One of the main tricks to throwing an impressive soirée is keeping the kids occupied-both your own (if you have them) and your guests' (if they bring them). You'll save money on a sitter and provide a much-appreciated respite for your guests. Set up a tent in the backyard if you have room. The kids will love it. They can tell ghost stories and make fun of the grownups from the comfort of their Secret Fort-all while staying out of your way. If you have a grill, buy some s'mores and hot dog fixin's. True, a sugar rush will ensue, but you'll also have some happy campers.

And the Oscar™ goes to ...
You can also get the kids involved in entertainment for the adults. Task them with putting on a performance: what the play or musical performance lacks in finesse it makes up for in entertainment value and photo ops.

Undiscovered talent
See if any of the schools in your area have a music program. The great thing about "starving artists" is that they're starving: take advantage of this by inquiring if anyone's willing to play for a free meal. Imagine a backyard patio with a cellist or classical guitarist playing quietly in the moonlight. It's cheap entertainment that will make you look classy and put some meat on a musician's bones.

Your turn
Rummage in your closet or game drawer for forgotten board games, or plan for a rousing game of charades. Games are the perfect way to involve the whole party in the festivities and keep wallflowers from wilting. Before you know it, everyone will be laughing and talking even if they just met.

Live out loud
If you have room for it, clear out a dance area on your deck or patio. Run an extension cord through the window so your MP3 or CD player can get maximum volume. Get a musically inclined friend to bring a mix of party tunes and let 'er rip. (Check with the neighbors first about the noise-or better yet, invite them to the festivities!) And if you really want to get the party started, rent a karaoke machine: entertainment and music in one hilarious activity.

Backyard Sundance
Borrow a projector, hang a sheet, and watch an outdoor movie. Or just have a slide show playing in the background during the party. It can be campy ('80s rock videos), themed (waves breaking on the Hawaiian coast), or family-oriented (if the party is for a birthday, for example, you could show slides of the birthday boy/girl).

Food/Drink

Potluck luck
Consider throwing a potluck so you're not paying for all the food. Keep a tally of who's bringing what so you don't end up with a surplus of chips and dip.

In terms of what you're providing yourself, aim for cold salads (potato, macaroni, and tuna salad will fill stomachs without emptying wallets). Other inexpensive options are sandwiches or buffalo wings. Discount stores have delicious options for bulk everything: quiches, cut veggies and dip, and alcohol of course.

Other nibbles
If you decide against a potluck, mini-hamburgers and hotdogs are fun finger foods that will fit in your budget. You can also get pizza dough at Trader Joe's and make several different types of pizzas.

Drink up!
Speaking of booze: get it in bulk at stores like Bev Mo or Sam's Club . Remember: mixed drinks go a lot further than wine or bottled beer. You might also consider making a big bowl of punch or getting a keg of domestic beer.

You can also request that your guests bring a six-pack or a bottle of wine with their potluck dish. If everyone does it, you'll have plenty of drinks and even a surplus for your next party.

Spare a dollar?
Remember, the dollar store is your friend. From decorations to cutlery to giveaways for the kids, make this your first stop. You can pick up utensils, plates, cups and even serving items. If you already have some of this, think about which pieces you're willing to risk outside-it might make more sense to go for paper or plastic at the dollar store than to see your favorite glass bowl shatter.

Hopefully these ideas have sparked your imagination and will help you throw the backyard party of the summer. However you do it, remember: summer is fleeting. Enjoy it while you can.

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