Hosting an outdoor party can be easier and less expensive than you think. Two neighborhood families were coming over to grill out when I realized I needed more seating and serving space. I relocated indoor furniture. I took my kitchen table outdoors and set it up as a second beverage station. Having another spot, different from the food buffet, prevented a traffic jam and allowed guests to mingle while they got a drink. Come sundown have lighting ready so you guests can see to serve themselves. I like the practicality of tabletop fire bowls. Not only does a  tabletop firebowl provide light and warmth as temps drop, they are refillable.

I also put the kitchen chairs around the patio table. You may be  surprised how many guests can be seated around a round table. That freed up the wrought iron chairs, which I placed out in the backyard, around the fire pit, for an additional seating area. To save on the expense of disposable paper products, I used my everyday dishes and glassware. It’s more eco-friendly and paper plates never support a plate overflowing with bbq balanced on your lap.

Help company stay comfortable outdoor all day and into the night. Near the seating area around the firepit, I put out a big basket filled with amenities like sunblock, bug spray, hand wipes and a stadium blanket. As the party continued after dark, lighting the outdoor fire pit added a warm glow, especially welcome because it was chilly.

S’mores  aren’t exclusive to camp outs. Why not choose these for an easy inexpensive no bake dessert? I handed everyone a  skewer and a marshmallow as they hung out around the fire pit. Neighbors, both young and old, roasted marshmallows right over the fire pit, then layered it between a bit of chocolate bar and a graham cracker. Dessert was big hit, with little effort and expense. Don’t let costs of extra outdoor furniture, serving pieces and gourmet dishes hinder you from entertaining. Parties can be done inexpensively.  Let me hear your ideas?