Save on Your Next Dinner Party

Think pasta when you think of a great meal. Heat up a tray of lasagna, a big bowl of linguini, or try making your own stuffed manicotti. Serve with a salad and a loaf of crusty bread and you'll be the hit of your own party. Bon appetit!

Free yourself from high party costs and being stuck in the kitchen all night long. Have everybody brings something. Couple A: appetizers (get there early), couple B: the salad, couple C: dessert. You cover the main course and bon appetite on the cheap!

Planning to celebrate an anniversary with family or friends? Instead of expensive streamers and other party decorations, pull out the old photo album and decorate your home with photos of the happy couple through the years. Ask your guests to bring photos to pass around and share.

If you're on for providing the liquid refreshment for the evening (always go BYOB whenever you can), whip up a creative adult punch. You'll save a lot on alcohol and you'll finally have the chance to use Mom's punch bowl.

If you can bake, you can make desserts that'll feed an army for just pennies per person. Bake a big tray of brownies, or a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Top either dessert with vanilla ice cream and you won't hear a single complaint!

Save the shrimp puffs and caviar for a really special occasion. Instead, put out chips and salsa, a brick of cheese and some crackers, olives, raw carrots and celery with dip. These are all low-cost, filling appetizers that'll keep the guests happy until the main meal is served.

If you owe the family a get-together, a cookout is the way to go. Grilling burgers and hot dogs with a few simple side dishes cost a whole lot less than a standing rib roast. Catching up with with family: priceless.

A party can be a fun, social event without ruining your budget. They don't always have to be a flamboyant, gourmet adventure. Put out a veggie lasagna, a big salad and some nice bread. As long as the food is good and filling, friends and family are going to have a good time.

Birthday parties should be fun regardless of how old you are. Go to a dollar-type store and pick up plastic whistles, novelty rings, bubbles, and other party favors for all of the guests. Put a small pile of 'presents' at each place setting.