Tip 11: Dine In With Friends

Dining out is often a ritual many families like to practice with their relatives and friends. It is a great time to catch up and socialize, but it can also be pretty expensive. Why not keep that special time with your friends, but invite them over for dinner instead? Start a new trend (or actually renew an old tradition) instead of always going out to restaurants. Have each of your friends or family members bring over an item they can add to the meal. If everyone brings over one of their special recipes, you are guaranteed to have a meal to beat any restaurant in town. The extra benefit is that you get to move around during dinner – from the kitchen to the patio to the dining room – allowing you “quality time” with each of your guests instead of only those seated to your right and left.  The added bonus is that while you will most certainly have more fun…and probably better food…you are guaranteed to spend less money!