3 Course Dinner Party for 4 for Under $40

3 Course Dinner Party for 4 for Under $40
by Anna Wagner (Guest Author - FIT Major in Fragrance and Cosmetics) & Dr. Shamil.

Hosting a dinner party shouldn’t have to require you to drain your bank account. You can create an elegant and delicious layout for 40 dollars or under with these easy budgeting tips and tricks. And your friends will leave feeling spoiled and none the wiser.

The Table

Dollar stores and thrift shops can be your best friend for dressing a table for cheap. You may also find you already have a hoard of table decorations already in your home. Starting out you want to pick a color scheme and stick with it. Pick shades and tones that will flow together beautifully. 

Layering is key to a visually interesting layout. Start by layout out a clean and ironed tablecloth. Buy colored napkins that match your theme and layer them under your plates and silverware. If you don’t already have cutlery, you can find sets at thrift stores for bargain prices.

Now you can get creative with the rest of the table. Find or buy something fun and elegant to act as your centerpiece. It could be a vase, candle holder, or small sculpture. Dollar stores will be your go-to here; you can find anything from tea lights to imitation greenery that will liven up your table. Just remember to save space for when you serve your food!

The Meal

You don’t have to spend all day in front of an oven preparing for your dinner. There are tons of shortcuts and cheaper alternatives you can choose if you shop smart. Be artsy with your plating, even the cheapest dishes can look gourmet if you plate them nicely. 

The easiest option for an appetizer is to use any bread and dress it up. Take advantage of sale breads at your grocery store. Since you will be toasting it no one will know its not fresh out of the oven. Try toasting a baguette with butter and fresh garlic. Or try slicing it and spreading it generously with hummus and fresh herbs. 

Another way to cheat your way to an easy, cheap appetizer is to buy canned soup. But don’t stop there! Add ingredients you already have in your fridge to make bland canned soup delicious and taste homemade. Chopped onion, assorted vegetables, and seasoning will add needed complexity and flavor. If you want a thicker soup try sifting in flour or cream. 

Your main course doesn’t have to be complicated either, although you can trick your guests into thinking it was. Work your dish around pasta or rice. Both are cheap and will go well with any ingredients you add. Find sale vegetables or meat at your grocery store and sauté or bake them in olive oil. Mix them in with your pasta or rice and add homemade or canned sauce. Garnish with herbs like parsley or mint. 

End your meal with a simple but delightful dessert. Mix strawberries and blueberries, with squirt of lemon juice, and sprinkle some sugar to taste for added sweetness. Garnish with a small sprig of mint for prettiness and added flavor.

Now all you have to do is serve the meal and be a guest at your own dinner party and have a jolly good time. Meanwhile your wallet won’t be empty, and your guests will never guess just how little it all cost you!

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