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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
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Frugal Summer Entertaining
FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 12, 2009
Summer is my favorite time of year. The pace of life slows down and lazy Sunday afternoons lend themselves to company and cookouts. But one thing is for certain - in this economy, cookouts can be expensive! Let's put our heads together and come up with some tasty, inexpensive recipes to add to our personal summer recipe collections!
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  • Daughters: Ages 19 & 15
  • Forest Hill, MD
  • Work part-time outside home
Helen-NotofTroy - June 23, 2009
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  One of the ways we've combated the high costs is to have each family bring their own meat to grill. That also helps ensure that vegetarians have what they want to eat. Since the meat is usually the most expensive part of the meal, it makes the fruit, salads, and other items not such a big deal. We still ask everyone to bring a dish and try to divvy up drinks, desserts, salads, etc.  
By CouponsCoach
That's a great idea. Plus people will bring what they like and/or want to swap!
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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
  • Group Leader
FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 23, 2009
Replying to ...
  One of the ways we've combated the high costs is to have each family bring their own meat to grill. That also helps ensure that vegetarians have what they want to eat. Since the meat is usually the most expensive part of the meal, it makes the fruit, salads, and other items not such a big deal. We still ask everyone to bring a dish and try to divvy up drinks, desserts, salads, etc.  
By CouponsCoach
That's a great idea, Gina. A friend of mine does this as well. Last week sent out an email that said simply "BYOMBBQ74092PM." At first I thought it was spam, then I looked closely and there was the invitation right in front of me. ;-)
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  • Son: Age 6
  • Daughters: Ages 3 & 3
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CouponsCoach - June 22, 2009
One of the ways we've combated the high costs is to have each family bring their own meat to grill. That also helps ensure that vegetarians have what they want to eat. Since the meat is usually the most expensive part of the meal, it makes the fruit, salads, and other items not such a big deal. We still ask everyone to bring a dish and try to divvy up drinks, desserts, salads, etc.
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  • Work part-time outside home
kayceecat - June 20, 2009
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  A great way to keep the costs of entertaining down is to make the party a potluck. Tell your guests you'll supply, say, the meats and rolls, and then have folks sign up to bring the rest. To make the potluck more fun - give it a theme: luau, Caribbean, or camping (s'mores for dessert!!) are just some of the ones we've done in the past.  
By Helen-NotofTroy
I agree with you about the potlucks. I think they are a lot of fun to host and to attend. Themed ones are great!
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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
  • Group Leader
FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 18, 2009

Here's a recipe that's a meal in itself.

Belle's Rice and Bean Salad

Belle's Rice and Bean Salad

Ingredients
1 18 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup raisins

Dressing
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

2 c. cooked rice (room temperature)

Mix dressing ingredients and pour over rice. Toss. Add remaining ingredients. Let marinate for 3 hours in fridge. Serve chilled or room temp. Serves 4-6.


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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
  • Group Leader
FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 16, 2009
Replying to ...
  A great way to keep the costs of entertaining down is to make the party a potluck. Tell your guests you'll supply, say, the meats and rolls, and then have folks sign up to bring the rest. To make the potluck more fun - give it a theme: luau, Caribbean, or camping (s'mores for dessert!!) are just some of the ones we've done in the past.  
By Helen-NotofTroy
Great idea, Helen! What economical dishes do you like to bring to pot luck gatherings?
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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
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FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 16, 2009
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  You are welcome! That is one of the things I learned from this site :)  
By Giggles_all_day
Super! It's a great reminder for all of us! :)
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  • Daughters: Ages 19 & 15
  • Forest Hill, MD
  • Work part-time outside home
Helen-NotofTroy - June 14, 2009

A great way to keep the costs of entertaining down is to make the party a potluck. Tell your guests you'll supply, say, the meats and rolls, and then have folks sign up to bring the rest.

To make the potluck more fun - give it a theme: luau, Caribbean, or camping (s'mores for dessert!!) are just some of the ones we've done in the past.


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Giggles_all_day - June 14, 2009
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  Great reminder to buy in bulk, Giggles! Thanks for sharing that. :)  
By FamilyHost_Annabelle
You are welcome! That is one of the things I learned from this site :)
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  • Daughters: Ages 34 & 32
  • Grandsons: Ages 2, 2 & 16 months
  • Work at home
  • Group Leader
FamilyHost_Annabelle - June 14, 2009

One of the most economical summer coleslaw recipes is the one my mother in law makes. Its sweet and tart flavors make it interesting and appealing.

Summer Coleslaw

Ingredients:
1 lb cabbage
2 carrots
1-2 cups mayonnaise
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar

Directions:
Shred cabbage and carrots and mix together. Combine one cup mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar and blend. Add additional mayonnaise if you prefer a thicker dressing. Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots. Chill and serve.


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