Entertain on a budget

Eight creative ways to cut costs when hosting

- KIM ARENDSE

1 KEEP IT SIMPLE

The more décor and food you need to arrange for your get-together, the more cost is likely to be involved, while keeping things simple can look (and is!) effortless and chic.

This photo (left) from a YOU celebration shoot shows just how elegant keeping food and décor to a minimum can be when you’re hosting family or friends at home.

Make full use of any lovely views or pretty areas in your home by placing the dining table close to them. This can be on a stoep, close to a big window, near the pool or in the garden.

When it comes to setting the table, a colourful, patterned table cloth can be all you need to make it look great. This way, you can keep your dinnerware and table décor plain.

If your table cloth is plain, add just a few pops of colour and texture in your table décor, using colourful glasses, a vase with flowers or herbs from your garden, or bright napkins for impact.

A large roast and a simple side dish are perfect for a meal when entertaining smaller groups.

Expecting a larger group? Potluck is the way to go – guests are almost always happy to help and show off a new recipe or two of their own.

2 USE AFFORDABLE CUTS OF MEAT

When entertaining, preparing one or two large meats to take centre stage at a table is ideal but it can be pricey. So consider cheaper cuts that melt in the mouth when cooked low and slow.

Think pork or lamb shoulder, pork belly or beef brisket.