Hospitality on a Budget
So you love hosting but you need to keep costs down? This is the post for you. I also love entertaining, but going out of control on the budget is not good for our family, plus we won’t be able to entertain again! Here are some of my go-to staples I always have on hand for hosting.
- Candles
You want your house to smell good when people walk in. Candles also warm up a space and make it feel cozy. I love Yankee Candles because their smell really fills the room. I know they can be expensive, but I’m on their email list and get coupons for buy 1 get 2 free candles regularly. That’s a great deal! It makes them much more affordable. If they still seem too pricey after that discount there are other good brands out there. I also love Bath and Body Works Candles, and their email coupons can have some good discounts. I suggest buying a few candles in your price range and testing them out at different times. A lower price tag may mean low quality, and there’s no point in burning a candle that you can’t smell. Keep the smells pleasant and neutral. Safe scents could be vanilla, fresh linen, and lemon. I love pumpkin, coffee, lavender, and anything named latte or cookie. Floral candles can be nice too but sometimes they are strong so be careful! Our out of town visitors also love local anything, so I also get some candles from a local small business. Obviously, the possibilities are endless so pick something you like that isn’t too intense.
2. Coffee and Tea
I think most of us have coffee and tea in our house for personal use. If for some reason you have no dependency on caffeine, I suggest you buy some coffee and tea just to keep in the cabinet or fridge for when guests come. If you don’t want to buy a coffee pot or don’t have the room you can buy a French press. They are cute, affordable, small, and easy to store. You use hot water from the tea kettle to make coffee. It’s ideal to have options for regular and decaf. Most people would agree hot beverages enhance their interactions and make them comfortable. So settle in with a mug!
3. Cookie Dough
I enjoy making cookies from scratch as much as the next girl, but some days I don’t have the time. I like to keep ready-made cookie dough handy in case I get last-minute guests so I have something to serve them without going crazy. You can buy cookie dough to keep in the fridge, or if you’re a stickler for homemade, just make a big batch of dough and freeze it into small sections. I’ve done this many times and you can take cookie dough from freezer to oven, just keep an eye on them. The baking time may vary by a few minutes.
4. Alcohol
We always keep a few beers in the fridge, a bottle or two of wine, some gin, and tonic water in the house.This way if friends decide to come over for a nightcap after dinner we are ready to accommodate them without having to stop at the store on the way home. You don’t need a fully stocked bar all the time. Just have some favorites ready to serve. Buy what you like so it doesn’t go to waste, and if you have regular guests that love a particular drink, keep that handy too. They’ll feel so loved if you have their preferred beer or specialty cocktail on hand.
5. Cheese & Meat Tray
I usually keep a few blocks of various cheeses and some Spanish or Italian meats in my meat drawer. They usually keep for awhile unopened. I also try to have crackers or a loaf of French bread in the house as well. These trays are always a hit and if they get near the expiration date, just have a tapas-style dinner so nothing goes to waste. We love meat and cheese so it almost never goes uneaten. Other things to elevate your charcuterie board are olives, grapes, hummus, cucumbers, and carrots. The possibilities are endless.
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas to help you confidently accept last-minute guests. Happy hosting!