I’ve learned to use connections to get things done at more reasonable rates. There is no shame in asking friends and family members to lend their talents to your cause. As long as you make them feel appreciated, they are usually glad to help. My bother in law, who is a gifted musician, is going to lend his talents at my charity. The usual base fee for a band is 100-200 dollars per hour. I will be able to get away with a small gift card, as payment.

Make a list of priorities. Decide what the most important elements of the event are. Then it will be easier to allocate funds. The least important items on the list can discarded if money runs out. The venue and food are always most important. Decorations are always easy to pare down or omit. Extravagant party favors are not a necessity either. A warm word of thanks to your guests will usually suffice in satisfying their need for a token of your gratitude.

Whatever you can do yourself, do it. Enlist friends to make favors, decorations or appetizers. Host a potluck party if you are having a crowd that is easy going. Make it a “Death by chocolate” theme or a “B.Y.Favorite” night. People love to share their specialty dishes. Make your invitations, when feasible. Use your talents to cut down on costs.

When choosing a venue, entertainer or other service, interview several people and get quotes. A lot of businesses are willing to meet or beat a quote. Talking with business owners and being honest about your budget, can be of great benefit to you. People are usually willing to work with you if there is a personal connection involved. Phone calls are too impersonal.

Make one big trip for several purposes. It saves on travel time and gas. Plan out your day to accommodate several meetings and interviews.  I try to accomplish several tasks while my husband is home to watch the kids. It saves on babysitting and I can relax, knowing that they are in good hands.

Seek out donations. I know that some people have a problem in asking for freebies, but the worst you can get is a “no.” Some wine suppliers will come and do a pouring for free and give a discounted price on the wine. New catering businesses will usually provide the food at a discount, just to get their name out there. Offering to pass out their business cards to your guests may prompt the caterer to give a discount. Small businesses are hurting right now. Many owners will gladly donate to your event in exchange for advertising. I know this does not work for every event, but it works wonders for fundraisers and company events.

Keep in mind that guests will not remember every detail about the event. The thing that they will remember most is the fun. If you keep the mood festive and encourage socialization by playing party games or sparking conversations, people will always have a good time. Always be gracious, outgoing and thank your guests for coming as they leave. Your party is sure to be a frugal hit if you plan carefully and keep the focus where it needs to be, on the fun!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Marcie at A Child Chosen, shares her reason for loving the 4th of July, with a sweet and reminiscent post about her anniversary.

Heather at A Creative Journal, writes about using holiday memories as a writing prompt.

Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework patterns.

Kerri and Cory at Marriage Actually talk about why having a shared past is one of the best parts about being married.

Christine at Mad Cropper remembers Guy Fawkes Day, a day celebrated in New Zealand with lots of fireworks. Find out why Guy Fawkes is celebrated by the English and most commonwealth countries. It is indeed a blast from the past!

Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork, provides a quiz for her readers. See how many of the quilt designs you can connect with historical Americana – events, objects or people.

Marye at Baking Delights reflects on just how much menu’s have changed over the years while at Kettle and Cup she shares a modern twist that many are sure to love with her Non-Alcoholic Long Island Iced Tea.

Kelly Saunders at Thrifty Mommy shares her favorite 4th of July memory – I just can’t spoil the surprise – check it out.

Char and Christine continue Camp Weary Parent with this weeks Patriotic activities: Star Spangled Rocket and a week full of other fun projects.

Marcie and Mary Emma are blasting through books with Fourth of July and summer recommendations at One Book Two Book. Make sure to check out Fourth of July Books for Teens and The 10 Best Fourth of July Picture Books.

Linette at Robust Cooking shares 10 Healthy 4th of July Dessert Ideas. At Mother Earth’s Garden she calls out the old saying about corn – “Knee high by the fourth of July.”

At She Knows Parties, she shares fond memories of her summers and holidays as a child.

Karen at Thrifty Mommy probably has the most reason to celebrate the fourth as anyone I’ve heard – join Karen as she shares family photos of one of the most memorable nights in her families lives.

Sandy at All Holiday Cafe provides us with a list of when Independence Day is celebrated in various countries around the world.

Christina at SoloMother shares her own experiences of celebrating the 4th of July in the nations capital.

Susan at PlayLibrary shares her memories of playing the classic game of Zimm Zamm during her family’s annual July 4th barbecue celebration.

Eliza at Babylune reflects back on early holiday celebrations with baby on board and looks to this years celebration – their first out of the military.

Gayla at MomGadget – Without fail, each year my memories race back to an earlier time when life was much simpler and we’d celebrate our summer holiday with relatives down in the holler in the hills of Kentucky – this year – I share a Bluegrass Kinda Fourth of July.

 Here’s to a safe and patriotic holiday weekend…CHEERS!!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

The fourth of July is my husband’s favorite holiday. His family has always gotten together for a huge potluck (I say ‘huge’ because it is at least 40 people strong,) and a night time fireworks display. However, times have changed and most of his family goes camping at the beach, now. Since gas prices and rental of a motor home are too outrageous to even consider, we are left behind. Does that mean that we cannot have fun? Heck no! We are going to stay local and make our own simple celebration. Here are some ideas that I’ve come up with for a simplistic, yet fun Independence Day.

1. Block party! If you have a street that is relatively quiet, your neighbors might appreciate the chance to take part in a travel free celebration. It’s a great way to get to know everyone. I’m even going to take the opportunity to pass out neighborhood watch fliers.
2. Reading of the Declaration Of Independence. Have you ever read it in its entirety? It really is a powerful statement. You can even break it down into kid friendly portions and let the kids take turns reading it.
3. Crafts! Making presidential hats and beards out of construction paper and cotton balls is always a blast for kids. Then they can wear their costumes while reading the Declaration.
4. Red, white and blue potluck. Make a menu of fun items that are colored American or bear patriotic names. For example: Red strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream on pound cake. Arrange the items on the cake slices to look like a flag. Then name it “Stars And Stripes Cake.” Make iced tea and float the strawberries in it. Call it, “Oh say can you tea?” Garnish burgers with red leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing and call them “Statues of Li-burger-ty.”
5. Organize water games that large groups can play. Red white and blue water balloon toss is always a favorite. More ideas: three legged races, spoon races with patriotic colored eggs, and “Name That President” (players have to match up clues with the president who said or did each thing.)
6. End the evening by finding a local fireworks show and enjoying the spectacular show on a blanket, under the stars.

Here’s hoping that you all have a safe and memorable fourth of July celebration!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy