Planning Your 4th of July Cookout on a Budget

I know, I know, it's May - It's not even Memorial Day - and here I am bringing up not this patriotic holiday, nor the next one (Flag Day, June 14, for those keeping track), but the one after that. However, in planning the get-together that will take over our backyard next Monday, I've discovered the key to a successful, budget-friendly cookout is plenty of planning. Well in advance.

The first, and probably most obvious, step to keeping your gathering within the desired financial constraints is BYOB(x3). Bring Your Own Beef, Buns and Beer. Meat and alcohol are probably the most expensive components of any mealtime gathering, and by making them your guests' responsibility, you free up your budget for side items, condiments, etc. A second perk of having your friends and family provide their own main dish is less stress for all involved. You don't have to wonder or worry about special dietary needs (e.g., kosher, vegetarian, vegan), and they don't feel the awkwardness of being served a dish they can't or won't eat.

Now that the expensive consumables are out of the way, what are you providing? I suggest making this very clear in your invitation. (www.evite.com is an easy way to gather the masses.) Consider condiments, paper goods, non-alcoholic drinks, side salads, and desserts. Of course, a yard or balcony with a grill is probably a good idea, too. You'll need a cooler and ice for the drinks, and charcoal or propane for your grill.

Paper goods are easily come by at your local dollar store. If you'd like something colorful, check the clearance aisle at your local party store (often in the back, in the now-out-of-use Halloween costume section). Stock up bit by bit in the weeks leading up to your party.

Paper Goods: Check.