Save With Dave

Save With Dave: Entertaining For Less

(CBS13) The 4th of July usually means backyard parties and home entertaining. But if you're trying to keep to a budget what do you do?  Dave bender has the answer with tonight's save with Dave.

You want to have a good time, but you don't want break the bank?  We asked people, like you. How do you save on entertaining?

I could be a backyard barbecue, or maybe eating out but entertaining others can be a pricey prospect.

"it's easy to escalate your expense, you get caterers, and then you want people to serve, and then you kinda keeps going and going," said one person we talked to.

But some simple tips can increase the enjoyment and lower the cost. If you're eating out, try splitting meals so everyone gets a sample!

"Because the portions are just more than adequate it's a win/win; you eat less and you get to taste more!  That's the benefit and you spend less," said a Sacramentan.

At home, try pot luck. Otherwise, don't use pre-made meals.

"I prepare the food myself rather than have it catered," said one resident. "So you know we're not paying for pre-prepared stuff, you know do salads and things that are a little bit less costly."

"It's cheaper than having a store prepare it for you," said another resident.

Or, you could always take this advice, from a Sacramentan, "I have them spend their money.  That's it, or use the company credit card, that works pretty well!"

So here's the fun part. Let's say a barbecue brisket dinner for 10, take out from a restaurant will get you up to around $140.

Make that brisket, corn and potatoes yourself it's about twenty-five bucks, a savings of $115!

(Copyright © 2008 Freedom Communications)