4th of July Blowout - How to Host a Big Party with a Small Amount of Money

Throwing a big 4th of July party doesn't have to take a big chunk out of your wallet. You can host the best cookout and fireworks display for friends and family with little cash.

First of all, you need to plan a menu for your cookout. Hamburgers and hot dogs are the norm for any summer barbecue, however, keep an open mind. Fish Fry's are a must in the South. You can even catch the fish yourself to save the expense of purchasing them. After all, who doesn't love to fish? If you do plan on burgers and hot dogs, you can still save money on the side items and extras. Try using fresh vegetables from your garden, or if you don't grow a garden, buy vegetables and fruits (watermelon is a must for a cookout) from a produce stand nearby. The prices will be much lower than your local supermarket, and the taste of fresh fruits and veggies is always better than the store-bought variety.

Next, plan on spending a little on decorations. You can purchase plates, cups, tablecloths, etc., from your local dollar store or Wal-mart. These are very inexpensive, and you can choose decorated items, or even better, you can mix and match the red, white, and blue solid colors for even more savings. Normally printed and decorated items cost a little more. So buy red and white plates, and put a blue tablecloth on your table. See the pattern here? Also, let children help with the decorating. Buy construction paper, and have children make paper chains in red, white, and blue to hang on your porch or deck. If you really want to get into decorating, you can make paper lanterns to hang, also from construction paper. You can check out instructions here http://www.parents.org.uk/index.html?act_lanterns.htm&2. Also, small flags make great decorations, and are very inexpensive. Pick up a handful of these and place them on your table, deck, or put them in a vase or glass and use as a centerpiece for your table.