Hey Sal,
“I just moved into a place with a larger than average patio/deck. I’d like to have a “patio party” to show off the new place, but I am low on funds and ideas. Where should I start?”
- Leslie, River North

Leslie,

Summer is upon us, and doesn’t it feel good? It’s time to make good use of that patio before, a) it gets too hot and sticky, or worse, b) you blink and summer is gone!

No matter how you slice it, hosting a party is an expense. Cups, ice, glasses, hors d’œuvres (it simply isn’t possible to get away with no food, unless you want people raiding your pantry when they’re a couple of glasses deep), etc. But there are some simple ways to cut back on costs.

Try these top three:

BYOB - This isn’t rude, it’s economical. Ask people to come packing and you’ll save yourself a bundle. Have fun by making a game out of it (asking guests to bring the craziest named bottle of wine they can find, or only bring bottles with certain color labels (tie it into your decorations!!).

Limit Decorations - You look around your place and new patio and you think it looks bare, but picture it with 30 people crammed in. Try to put decorations only where they’ll have the most impact and be appreciated. Suggestions? Front door and tablescape.

Cut the Guest List - Do you really need to invite that one friend of your friend’s because she invited you to her birthday eVite bar party for 200 people? No. Try to surround yourself with only your best friends (better friends will also be more respectful of your space and you’ll have less of a disaster on your hands come morning).

One final thing to consider: co-hosting. Split the cost with a friend and go in on the party together. But be careful, make sure you’ve got a lot of friends in common, or you’ll end up doubling your guest list and saving no money!!

Don’t forget to invite the PLRG girls!

(This advice column is brought to you by the ever graceful, polished and in-the-know, Sally Jackson. Sally is happy to offer her tips and guidance on everything from relationships to fashion to saving money. If you have a question for Sally, go ahead and send your question to Info@PoorLittleRichGirls.com with subject “Hey Sal”)