This year, hosting a party for the Big Game doesn't have to mean suffering a penalty in the budget department. Check out these ideas and recipes for super savings. For extra points, we made sure that each recipe mentioned in the article costs less than $10 to prepare.
Save on Hebrew National® Beef Franks and more in Coupon Central this month.
Instead of mailing invitations to your guests, use email or an online invitation system such as Evite®. You'll not only save on postage, but you'll save on the cost of the paper invitation as well. There's also the added benefit of being able to easily manage your RSVPs when you use an online invitation system.
When you serve inexpensive appetizers, such as chips and salsa, your guests can fill up early, which means you don't have to worry as much about the main-dish attraction. You could serve crudités and dip (be sure to buy the veggies and cut them up yourself; the bagged, prewashed, and precut variety will be more expensive). Or you could try something a little more substantial, such as chips and our hearty Creamy Bean Dip.
If you're feeding hungry football fans, you don't need to go to the trouble (or the cost) of making an expensive entrée. Instead, try out Shredded Beef Sandwiches—you'll get a slow cooker full of tangy shredded beef without spending a lot of time or money. Once the beef has finished cooking, all you need to do is line up the buns and let your guests serve themselves.
Something that is possibly even easier is a hot dog station. Simply cook up a bunch of Hebrew National Beef Franks in a slow cooker. Line the buffet table with buns and all sorts of different delicious toppings. Include favorites such as ketchup, mustard, and relish, but spice it up with other toppings such as chili, cheese, tomatoes, mayonnaise, onions, and anything else you think your guests might find enjoyable.
One of the best ways to save money on party-food recipes is to make everything your guests want all in one dish. As an added bonus, you'll have fewer plates and silverware to clean up after the game. Try our Thick and Beefy Skillet Chili—ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and seasonings—for a meal that will take you through the pregame activities and into halftime. For the second half, try our Chicken Tortilla Bake: chicken, cheese, bell pepper, onion, and spicy tomatoes all in one delicious dish.
You've got the invitations and food covered, so what about the decorations? No need to outdo yourself and blow your budget with the décor—think simple. Check out dollar stores for napkins and tablecloths in the participating teams' colors. Around the room, set coolers filled with ice and beverages for guests; not only do the coolers give that football feel, but guests can pick up a cold drink whenever they like instead of traipsing to the serving table or kitchen.
Lastly, remember that people are there to have fun with their friends and watch a fun game of football on TV, so this is one party where you don't have to spend a lot of dough. Now that we've got your playbook, you don't have to sweat the small stuff—relax and have fun!
