Staying home during July 4th Weekend? Why not host a barbecue with beer, hot dogs and fireworks–a true American celebration.
Whether you’re planning to celebrate with extended family or a some friends, here are a few tricks to help reduce party costs.

1. Re-consider Renting
Why spend tons of money renting chairs, tables or canopies, when you may be able to borrow these items for free from family, friends and/or neighbors? If borrowing is not an option compare rental prices around town before committing to any company’s fee. You may find that some items are cheaper to buy at big-box stores than to renting, so do your homework first. Should you find yourself table and chair-less, set up blankets in a picnic style fitting for any outdoor barbecue get together.

2. Homemade Food
Supermarket relish and snack trays are mighty tempting, but you’ll save roughly 50 to 60 percent by making these foods at home. The same goes for store made macaroni and potato salads–it’s much cheaper and probably tastier when you make these at home. Rather than trying to doit all yourself, get the family involved in the party prep or consider hosting a potluck barbecue by divvying up the menu. Guests who bring their own alcohol can really help cut your party costs.

3. Skip the Babysitter
A holiday party isn’t relaxing for parents who have to watch their children all day. However, there’s no need to order a babysitter for the occasion. Set-up a kid’s play area away from the adults and have parents or grandparents take turns watching the tots or ask an older child or teen to play with the kids in exchange for a few bucks or a gift card to their favorite store.

4. DIY Games
Keep the kids outdoors and away from the video games without spending extra by creating old-fashioned entertainment. Arrange a scavenger hunt; set-up a game of kick-ball; or use the “That Ain’t It” app for a trivia game both adults and children can play.

5. Inexpensive Decorations
Head to the dollar store for inexpensive seasonal decorations, like festive table clothes, balloons, streamers and beads at prices up to 70-percent off a standard party store. 

6. Send Invites for Free
Paper invites are a thing of the past, particularly since free and instant evites make RSVPing a snap. You can also coordinate carpooling from the evite website a bonus for family. Check out their selection of invitation designs and you’ll be sold.

7. Reduce the Guest List
It’s easy to let the guest list get out of hand when everyone seems to be looking for a party. Entertaining family? Aunt Kate likely wants to bring a plus-one (or two). Contain the guest list and you’ll contain the costs…and the amount of clean-up required afterwards.

8. Buy In Bulk
If you weren’t able to contain the guest list and need to lay in extra supplies, shop wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. If you don’t have a membership, ask to borrow a friend’s card. Consider order the bulk goods online to avoid carrying the oversized and heavy items from the car.

9. Buy a Keg
Most barbecues call for beer, but the easiest alcohol route is to buy a keg rather than splurging on six-packs and pricier liquors.