party

Best Money Tips: How to Throw a No-Waste Party

Amy Lu — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:30:05 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on how to throw a no-waste party, tactics to help you spend less in the age of social media, and tips for selling on Amazon.

How to Get Out of Social Obligations That Break Your Budget

Annie Mueller — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:30:11 +0000

What do you do when you're on a tight budget, but you keep getting social invitations to events that you know will cost too much money? You don't want to start a long conversation about your finances. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But you also don't want to blow your budget on gifts and events you can't afford. Here are several tactful ways to handle this social spending pressure. (See also: 7 Nice Ways to Tell Your Spendy Friends You're Staying on Budget)

Do you want to participate?

First things first: when an invitation comes rolling in, assess your own interest in and desire to attend before you make any decisions. There's a social tendency to agree to invitations, as if you are obligated to say "Yes" merely because you were invited.

However, no such obligation exists. Do you want to go, or not? If you do want to participate in the event, but the price tag is above your budget, look for a way to participate without taking on the total expense. One (or more) of the tactics listed below will serve you well.

If you'd rather stay home in your pajamas and watch Netflix (always my weekend preference, honestly), you can also do that.

Use the same communication method used for the invitation

If you got a Facebook invite, you can respond via Facebook. If you got a phone call, respond in kind. If you received a hand-lettered invitation in a wax-sealed envelope, it's time to handwrite a beautiful letter.

Start with gratitude

Don't lead with the "No." Never lead with the "No." Instead, lead with appreciation for the invitation itself. Something like, "Thank you for including me in this special event," or, less formal, "Thanks so much for inviting me!"

State a clear but firm "No"

Don't say maybe if you mean no, as you'll end up having to repeat the conversation. If you're clear enough the first time around, that will be enough. Try something like, "Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend," or "We will not be able to come."

Don't give a reason

Stifle the urge to explain yourself. You don't have to, and anyone with decent manners will not press you for a reason. (This excludes your circle of closest friends, who will bug you for a specific reason until you give them one. If they're good friends, though, they'll want to support your financial goals, not destroy them.)

End with specific good wishes

Wrap up your RSVP with a wish for a great event or whatever is appropriate. The more specific it is, the more sincere it sounds. Generic well wishes sound, well, generic.

Obviously, this method is a little trickier with a phone or in-person conversation, however, you can follow the basic steps. You can even write a little script ahead of time. Stick to your guns: you're saying no, and you don't have to explain why. Be appreciative, polite, and firm.

Take a homemade gift

If you're dealing with a birthday party or other celebratory event that traditionally mandates a gift, bringing a homemade gift is a good tactic. Homemade gifts can be simple and classy, cheap, and very appreciated. Who wouldn't love a homemade liqueur or selection of luxurious bath products?

Personalization makes a gift special, so think about the recipient and try to incorporate their preferences and interests in some aspect of the gift. (See also: 25 Thoughtful and Frugal Personalized Gift Ideas)

Come late, leave early

If you control your timing, you have more control over your expenses. If the event is dinner and a movie, why not skip the dinner and show up for the movie? You still get to hang out with your friends, but you've eaten at home and saved money at the same time.

Leaving early can work the same way. Maybe you'll go to the ballgame but skip the bar crawl afterward, and go home with money still in your pocket. (See also: Being Frugal Without Giving Up Your Social Life)

Offer an alternative

Participate, but on your terms by offering an alternative to the specific invitation or activity. For example, "I want to be in your wedding, but I can't handle the financial responsibilities of being a bridesmaid right now. Is there a smaller role I could take to be part of your day?"

Or, brainstorm some alternative, cheaper activities and offer them up to the host or coordinator, such as, "Instead of going to the casino, why don't we all go to the beach?" (See also: 10 Ways to Have a Cheaper Evening Hanging Out With Friends)

Host it yourself

Be the hostess with the mostest… the mostest money, that is. You don't have to go out to get together. Offer to host your friends for a potluck dinner party. I used to have these monthly, setting a theme for each one. They're lots of fun, have delicious food, and offer stress-free, low-budget socializing.

Or host an in-home movie night, or come up with your own specific version of hijinks and hilarity, on your turf and in your budget.

Set a no-product policy

I absolutely love the idea of setting a policy for the frequent social invitations that are oriented toward getting you to spend money. You know what I'm talking about: product parties. You may love the bags, or the leggings, or the wraps, or whatever, but chances are, it's not in your budget. Instead of picking and choosing which ones you'll participate in, give yourself a blanket policy: "For the sake of my budget, or reaching my financial goals, or not filling my house with embroidered bags, I have a No-product-parties policy. Thanks for the invitation, though!"

Eat first and BYOB

If you're meeting friends for the evening but don't want to bust your budget on a pricey meal and overpriced drinks, eat an early dinner at home before you go. You can order an appetizer or share a dessert for a fraction of the cost, or sip your drink and enjoy the conversation. Bonus points if you bring your own flask, order a single drink and top it off yourself.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Summer Party Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Laurel Randolph — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:00:17 +0000

Summer is the ideal time for get-togethers. On top of holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day, we also enjoy regular weekend grill-outs, birthdays, and pool parties. It's a whole lot of fun, and throwing your own shindig can be very rewarding. The only problem is the cost — feeding, watering, and entertaining a group of people can be expensive. If you're thinking about having a summer party (or three), check out our ideas for wallet-friendly summer festivities. They're fun for the whole family, and you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the budget.

1. Hot Dog Buffet

It's hard to beat a grill-out in the summertime, but grilling lots of meat can get pricey. Thankfully, one of the cheapest options is hot dogs, a food young and old alike love. If you don't own the necessary equipment, head to a public park with free-to-use grills and bring along cleaning tools, charcoal, and a bag to throw out your waste. Grill up a pile of hot dogs (including some veggie dogs if you have vegetarian guests) and set-up a fun buffet of toppings. Provide the usual ketchup, mustard, and relish, and set out other options like sauerkraut, crushed potato chips, chili, cheese, guacamole, onions, and salsa. Have everyone bring a side, drink, or topping to share, and you'll be able to provide an impressive and fun spread without breaking the bank.

2. Ice Cream Social

Nothing tastes better than an ice cream cone on a summer afternoon. Gather your friends and family for an ice cream social, and you're sure to have a sweet time. If any of your friends own an ice cream maker, encourage them to make their own flavor and bring a pint. Everyone can sample all of the ice creams, and no one is stuck with too much of one flavor. For those of us that don't own a maker, host a potluck-style sundae party. Ask everyone to bring a tub of ice cream and you can provide all of the toppings, or reverse it — provide all of the ice cream, while the guests bring toppings. Include fun details like sugar cones, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, whipped cream, and caramel. Kids will love making their own sundaes with all the fixings.

3. Afternoon of Games

Enjoy the warm summer weather by inviting your friends over for an afternoon of games. Having an afternoon party alleviates the need to provide a whole meal, saving a lot of cash. Set-up gaming areas in your backyard, or invite everyone to a public park. Bring blankets and folding chairs for hanging out, and have your guests supply their favorite outdoor games. Many games require little more than a ball or frisbee, but are loads of fun with big or small groups. Provide light snacks and lemonade, and enjoy playing horseshoes, bocce, foursquare, and more.

4. Movie Night

Summer blockbusters can be really fun, but going to the movie with a group adds up. Instead of making a trip to the theater, invite friends over to watch a movie for a fun nighttime party. If you or a friend owns a projector, hang a white sheet outside and have a special outdoor screening. Guests can bring their own blanket and get comfortable on the lawn. If you're showing your movie inside, make it special with lots of pillows to sit on and snuggle with, dim lighting, and popcorn and drinks. Play some movie trivia to keep the party social, or have themed nights based on the movie you're playing.

5. Pool Party

If you own a pool, then let's just stop right here. Just invite everyone over to your pool and poof! You have a party. If you live in an apartment complex with a pool, invite a small group to join you one afternoon for lounging and splashing around. Provide plastic cups and a cold drink, and maybe a pool game or two. Just be sure to abide by any pool rules for your apartment building. If you don't have access to a pool at all, then find a great public pool nearby and set a time to meet there. Have fun hanging out in the water and poolside, and go for ice cream or happy hour afterwards. Some fancy hotels offer access to their pools for free or with a purchase, and can be a fun treat for a hot day.

6. BYOM Cookout

If you'd still like to go the cookout route but want to serve more than hot dogs, have a BYOM party. Ask your guests to bring their own meat to throw on the grill, and you'll shrink your cost while making sure everyone gets the main dish they really want. Have sides and fixings ready, like coleslaw, potato salad, chips, fruit, condiments, and cold drinks. People can share their offerings and mix and match to their heart's desire, and there's sure to be some extra meat left for the host.

What's your favorite frugal summer party idea?

This article is from Laurel Randolph of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: How Do You Host a Summer Party on a Budget?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:00:35 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Emily, Amanda, and Steve for winning this week's contest!

The summer season is great for fun in the sun — and parties! Hosting a fancy shindig can get expensive, though, so many of us will look for ways to cut back on costs without sacrificing a good time.

How do you host a summer party on a budget? What are your go-to dishes for feeding a lot of people? Would you ask your guests to provide some of the food or supplies?

Tell us how you host a summer part on a budget and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

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Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Good Luck!

Tell us how you host a summer part on a budget and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

You Can Throw a Fun and Affordable Holiday Party — Here's How

Laurel Randolph — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:00:07 +0000

Holiday parties are a fun part of the season, and hosting one can be a blast. The trick is to throw a fun party without spending your gift shopping budget to make it happen. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make your party fun without breaking the bank. (See also: 7 Budget Gifts You Can Bring to a Holiday Party)

Pare Down the Guest List

The more the merrier, right? It's not quite that simple if you're the host (AKA the treasurer). Consider whittling down your guest list for the party and you'll save a good chunk of change while providing a more intimate gathering. If you still want to invite that old co-worker, fitness instructor, and the mailman, then go for a potluck or BYOB (more on that in a moment).

Get the Timing Right

If you don't want to serve a full meal and deal with all of the requirements it brings, try having your party at a non-eating time. Eight at night or later is acceptable for not providing dinner unless you state otherwise. Plus, many people will go out to eat just before, and therefore won't need a snack until later. If you'd like to have a less boozy gathering that won't last until the wee hours, a Sunday evening party is perfect. For a (nearly) booze-less gathering, host a cookie or tree-trimming party in the afternoon, and you can squeeze by with warm cider and cookies.

Decorate Resourcefully

There's no need to blow your budget on party decorations. For lighting, simply gather all of the candles you own and cluster them on a main table before lighting them. Or buy a couple of strings of cheap holiday lights and stick them in jars. Instead of buying expensive flowers, take trimmings from an evergreen tree, branches with berries, and pine cones and make a seasonal arrangement.

One of the easiest ways to decorate for a party is to use food. Put those pretty cookies you made (or your nice friend brought over) on a platter. Put pretty citrus on plates and in bowls for decoration, and then use them for cocktails or snacking. Fill bowls with candy that guests can snack on and take home.

You can even make decorating the central theme. Have a tree-trimming party and either have everyone make decorations as an activity when they arrive or bring an ornament with them as their contribution to the party.

BYO All Sorts of Things

Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring key items with them to your party. The most common example is to have people bring their own drinks, such as wine. This tried-and-true method can majorly cut down on a big party budget eater: alcohol. You can get more creative with BYOB and have people bring a mixer and you supply the liquor for a nice cocktail bar (or reverse it and have your guests bring the booze). Or have a holiday wine tasting, and have everyone bring a bottle to share.

Throw a cookie party this year — ask guests to bring cookies to share and create a sweet display. Supply a salty snack or two and something to drink and you're done! If you're having a smaller gathering, have guests specifically bring cookies for decorating and provide the icing and sprinkles for a fun afternoon.

Feed Your Guests (Without Going Broke)

Food can be a major expense for holiday parties, but you don't have to spend big to have a great time. A potluck is a classic way to nearly eliminate this expense, and it's a fun way to socialize and sample new dishes. Try basing your potluck party around a theme, even if that's just "holiday meal," and let everyone know what you're making as the main course so they can plan accordingly.

It's no secret that when it comes to food, it's almost always cheaper to do it yourself. So forget catering, and get thee to the kitchen! Even if you're not a cook, you can whip up some easy but satisfying snacks. Try swapping a pricey cheese platter for a homemade cheese ball with crackers and crudites (slice the veggies yourself — it's much cheaper than buying them cut up at the grocery). Bread fills people up, so put out a variety of crostini to nibble on. And a bowl of homemade popcorn is super cheap and always a hit.

If you can stand the clean up, use your own "real" dishes, utensils and glasses. If your crowd is too big or the lack of a dishwasher makes it all feel impossible, head to your local dollar store for disposables.

Festive Drinking The Cheap Way

If you're offering up drinks as part of your party deal, a great way to please a crowd is with punch. It frees you up to use cheaper booze without anyone being the wiser, and you can stretch the alcohol with mixers. An apple cider punch or mulled wine are great for a winter party and can go a long way.

If you want to serve a proper cocktail, consider using prosecco. It tastes and looks festive, but for the taste and the bubbles, it costs much less than it's counterparts.

Free Entertainment

No party is complete without a soundtrack. Find holiday playlists on an online streaming or radio service and just press play. Put Christmas movies that you own or are streaming for free on your TV in the background (or perhaps a crackling fireplace). Mix things up by playing games like Celebrity, Who Am I? and Mafia, all of which are totally free and great fun with a group.

Affordable Gifting

If you'd like to include a gifting element, an always fun and budget-friendly game of Secret Santa is an easy solution. Set a spending limit as low as you like and let people get creative. That way, everyone (including you) only has to buy one gift instead of 15, and it's a fun party game. You can also send your guests home with gifts, but make them dual purpose: gift your party decorations (such as ornaments), or pack everyone little gift bags with an assortment of the cookies they brought.

What are your tips for an affordable holiday bash?

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This article is from Laurel Randolph of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

14 Things Good Hosts Never Do

Mikey Rox — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:00:04 +0000

I throw a couple parties a year and host overnight guests regularly as an Airbnb host, but I'm far from the host with the most. Still, I strive to be better. That's why I polled a few friends and experts to see what's on their list of party fouls that a good host would never commit. (See also: Don't Ruin the Party: 11 Things Good Guests Never Do)

1. Expect Gifts

I don't expect anyone to bring me a gift when I'm hosting — and, honestly, I'd rather they didn't bring a gift unless it's something consumable (who needs more stuff?), and I'm not alone. Relationship and etiquette expert April Masini, author of the critically acclaimed online advice column Ask April, agrees. "Good hosts will never insist on gifts. It's great to celebrate your birthday, anniversary or impending nuptials, but insisting or expecting gifts is greedy and bad form. That's not to say you shouldn't be gracious when you do receive presents, but if you're throwing an event to celebrate yourself, make sure the focus is on the celebration — not the bounty."

2. Let the Guests Fend for Themselves for Household Necessities

Susan Callender, founder of Oh! My Gauche, a service dedicated to social savvy and professional skills, says that good hosts will always have information on guest amenities — like password-protected Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, iron and ironing board, etc. — available where the guest can easily find them, like in a binder or folder in the guest bedroom. You also can add take-out menus, your home address and phone number (I doubt they have it memorized), and tourism information about your area if you'd like. It'll make the guest's stay hassle-free and more enjoyable.

3. Request That Guests Bring Something (Unless They Insist)

Whitney L. Smith, owner of the lifestyle blog Pumps & Circumstance, thinks it's rude for hosts to ask guests to bring an item to any event other than a potluck. "I love entertaining, and one of the things I don't think is proper for a host to do is to request that guests bring something," she says. There is an exception, however: "If guests offer to bring something it's OK to request ice or beverages, but to ask them to bring food is a no-no."

4. Let Guests Clean Up

The trash needs to go outside, your guest is on her way outside. Makes sense, right? Wrong. If they offer, great, but otherwise, hosting is not about efficiency; it's ultimately about providing a service to others.

5. Require Guests to Pay Unexpectedly

Maybe you're young, maybe you don't read Wise Bread enough and don't have the savings to throw a party where everything's covered. That's okay. But it needs to be made clear to your guests beforehand.

6. Make a Scene If Someone Brings an Unapproved +1

Gwendolyn Mulholland, owner of the family blog Finding Sanity in Our Crazy Life, suggests that hosts suck it up and keep their mouths shut about a guest who brought a date when plus-ones weren't expected. I agree with her — there's nothing you can do about it now, short of kicking them out, and you don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, do you?

However, to the guest who does this — you should consider yourself lucky when your host doesn't make a scene. Consider that the extra person could throw off the dynamic of the room, especially if guests were invited based on compatibility. Also, the host prepared food for the invited guests, not the surprise guest. What if he or she doesn't like what's being served? What if the host doesn't have enough food? There are a few invariables here that you really don't want to tilt too far. (See also: Quick Pantry Snacks for Uninvited Guests)

7. Allow Anyone Underage to Drink

Advice columnist April Masini chimes in again with another really excellent tip: "Good hosts never encourage underage guests to drink," she reminds us. "Forget being the cool parent or the cool family friend. If there are underage teens and young adults at your home, you are responsible for what you serve them, and even if their parents say it's okay, it's your house, your rules. You'll save yourself a bundle of hassle if there's a potential accident that you are responsible for by serving underage guests, and if there isn't, you've set the standard at your house and everyone will know for next time. Better safe than sorry."

8. Run Out of Food and Drinks

When I host parties, I abide by the rule of seconds — I buy enough food for every guest to have them. Of course, some guests won't have seconds, so there may be a generous amount of food left (par for the course; it's always better to have more than enough than not enough), in which case you can do a few things:

Send guests home with a plate for later.
Pack the leftovers for lunch.
Donate the food to a local organization whose volunteers might enjoy the home-cooked or catered food.

9. Neglect to Clean and Properly Stock the Bathroom Prior

Now we're getting into serious territory. If you've failed to stock your bathroom with the necessary essentials, you may very well embarrass the person who needs to call someone to bring the TP. Can you imagine? I'd die of humiliation and then come back to life as the ghost that haunts that terrible host forever. Also, there's this related tip from a friend: "A good host would never invite someone over when their toilet is clogged. Been to a house party like that. Awful, awful experience." Let's leave it at that.

10. Stash Away the Good Bottle of Wine That the Guest Brought

"A good host should always open a nice bottle of wine that a guests brings to a dinner or party," says Kelsey Graves founder of the party-inspiration site We Heart Parties. "It is not polite to keep the nice bottle for yourself. Be sure to open it and share it with your guests." Another way to put it is: Stop being stingy, you lush!

11. Serve Themselves First

Let your guests have first dibs on the food that you've prepared — just like your grandmother did; she didn't eat until everybody else was fed, remember?

12. Allow Pets to Annoy Guests

I love dogs — I have a dog myself — but my husband and I take measures to ensure that he won't annoy guests when we host an event. For shorter gatherings, like a brunch at our house, he's fine in our bedroom for a couple hours. But for longer parties — like around the holidays — it's best for us to send him to daycare for the night where he can play with his furry friends while our guests can enjoy themselves without an animal begging for food or attention.

13. Fail to Introduce Guests Who Don't Know Each Other

If the party is heavy on mixed company, it's the host's job to acquaint everyone at the beginning. Make a habit of making introductions as soon as a guest arrives, so you don't get preoccupied, forget about the person, and let him fend for himself. Some people just aren't comfortable going up to strangers and making small talk. Not that I'm at all bitter or speaking from personal experience, of course.

14. Invite the Wrong Mix of People

If you're inviting a mixed bag of people who don't necessarily know each other, it's wise to consider the potential compatibility of guests as well, especially for a sit-down event or an overnight excursion.

I tend to invite singles that I think might compliment each other and couples with similar interests. For an intimate dinner, for example, I'm definitely not inviting my very religious friends to dine with my LGBT-activist friends. While I'm all for rousing dinner conversation, there are some things better left unsaid. It also wouldn't be very fun for a single friend to attend an event filled with only couples. While not every person will become besties, you at least want the group to enjoy each other's company for a couple hours.

What are some things that you think good hosts should never do? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Don't Ruin the Party: 11 Things Guests With Good Social Skills Never Do

Joe Epstein — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 17:00:05 +0000

Most parties don't require you to sign a contract at the front door.

But all the same: by showing up, you've committed to a contract, albeit a non-verbal one. Your hosts agree to do everything reasonable to ensure your good time, and, basically, you agree to do everything reasonable to not make it blow up in their faces. (See also: 18 Things People With Good Social Skills Never Do)

So take a look at this list and make sure you're not unintentionally committing any party fouls. Your hosts (and your social calendar) will thank you for it.

1. Never Be Unnecessarily Non-Committal About an RSVP

Sad but true: You can screw things up before the party even begins! Specifically, by telling your host "no thanks" and then showing up, telling your host "yes please!" and then skipping, telling your host "maybe" for no good reason, and/or holding off on saying anything at all (whether to see who else RSVPs or some other reason). Simply put: Your host is sending you an invite because they want you there, but also because they need to know how many people are coming. If you have a potential conflict and really aren't sure, or something comes up last minute, fine. Otherwise, treat your RSVP like you would a professional interaction: be prompt and accurate.

2. Never Demand Special Food, Drink, or Treatment

Some hosts will ask if you have special dietary needs or desires. And that is wonderful. But if they don't, the burden is on you to eat what you can on the night of the party, not on them to provide you with your favorite finger-food. Asking before the party can cause stress, and asking during the party isn't going to accomplish anything. Remember, your job as a guest is to be low maintenance!

3. Never Show Up Empty-Handed

You aren't in college anymore. (…and if you are, try bringing a gift to the party for once — everyone will be amazed and impressed!). Bring a gift, and make sure it's not one that you intend consume wholly by yourself. (In other words, don't bring your favorite bottle of wine, then hoard it in the corner).

4. Never Fail to Greet and Thank the Host

They're not always going to be able to greet you out the door, so seek them out! Interrupting them briefly to say "hi" is fine — they'll appreciate you letting them know you're there.

5. Never Monopolize the Host's Time

Yes, interrupting to say hi is fine, but interrupting repeatedly to update your host on your life, your kid's life, your cat's life… not so much. Respect that your host is "on duty" and has to spread their attention around. If you don't think you're getting enough one-on-one time, well… Schedule some one-on-one time! This is party time.

6. Never Wander Off-Limits

However fascinating it may be to explore roped-off rooms, wings, and secret lairs, these places are off-limits for a reason. And no, you don't need to know that reason, beyond "because that's what your hosts have asked of you." As for what's in-bounds, here's a rule of thumb: If you find yourself alone and you're looking at things other than your own phone (i.e. photos on the wall), you're probably not where you should be.

7. Never Fight With Another Guest

Unless you're a Real Housewife, part of your social contract involves keeping the peace. All but the most dire offenses should be ignored, and all but the most awful people should be given the benefit of the doubt. Arguing at the party isn't standing up for yourself, it's insulting the host by disrespecting the work they've put into ensuring a good time.

8. Never Complain About the Food

Unless you brought it, you're going to offend the host or whoever was on snack duty. Even if you're good friends with the host, there's no reason to make them ill at ease about their catering — if you don't like it, don't eat it!

9. In Fact, Never Complain About Anything

While you're busy not-complaining about the food, try to use the same approach to anything and everything related to the party. Unless there's something that's clearly affecting everybody, and is an easy fix (e.g., turning the air conditioning down), then complaints accomplish nothing but making your host feel bad.

10. Never Forget to Have Fun!

Ultimately, this is why you're here. Supporting your host's efforts is important, but ultimately those efforts are geared toward facilitating your fun, so take advantage!

11. …And Failing That, Never Look Like You're Not Having Fun

No one can force you to have a good time. But if you agreed to show up, it's on you to force yourself to at least put on a happy face. Pouts and sighs and eye rolls don't go unnoticed by hosts. Even if they don't have the time to ask you "what's wrong," these signs will certainly concern them, and that's the last thing you want.

Of course, you could always just refer back to #10 and enjoy yourself.

Any other tips for good party-going etiquette? Let us know.

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This article is from Joe Epstein of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Plan a July 4th Blowout on a Budget

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:00:05 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some wonderful articles on ways to plan a July 4th blowout on a budget, how bridesmaids can avoid going broke, and small business ideas for kids.

Best Money Tips: Save Money on a Super Bowl Party

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:00:12 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on saving money on your Super Bowl party, times it's easy to ask for a discount, and car repairs you can do yourself.

Best Money Tips: Things Not to Do at the Office Christmas Party

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:02:21 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on things not to do at the office Christmas party, dos and don'ts of Christmas giving, and why frugality may be hard for you.

Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Summer Parties?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:36:31 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Mary, C.j., and Kelli for winning this week's contest!

Spring and summer are, arguably, the best seasons for outdoor parties! With so many occasions for summer parties — graduations, holidays, the usual birthdays, and just-because pool parties — it's not hard to find a reason to celebrate. Then again, so many occasions for summer parties makes for a very good reason to find ways to save on the festivities.

How do you save on summer parties? What preparations do you usually do if you're hosting a party? Do you have parties at home, at a park or beach, or another venue? As a guest, do you bring anything with you to combat the heat, like sunscreen, umbrellas, water guns/balloons, or extra bottles of water?

Tell us about how you save on summer parties and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

Mandatory Entry:

Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

For extra entries:

You can tweet about our giveaway for an extra entry. Also, our Facebook fans can get an extra entry too! Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of the other two Amazon Gift Cards:

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If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, June 24th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after June 24th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us about how you save on summer parties and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Throw a New Years Bash for Less Cash

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:48:39 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on throwing a new years bash for less cash, paying off your auto loan early, and ways to donate to the Sandy Hook victims.

Best Money Tips: Throw a Holiday Party for Less

Ashley Jacobs — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:48:45 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on throwing a holiday party for less, gifts for women in their 30s, and shopping secrets for Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Club.

Best Money Tips: Look Great for Holiday Parties Without Breaking the Bank

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:36:32 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on looking great for holiday parties without breaking the bank, job hunting sins to avoid, and building an emergency fund quickly.

Quick Pantry Snacks for Unexpected Guests

Mikey Rox — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:36:16 +0000

When you live in a city like New York, unexpected guests are uncommon. It’s hard enough getting people to come to my uptown condo with an invitation (city-dwellers tend not to leave their own neighborhoods), so it’s a rare occasion when I’m surprised by someone popping by unannounced.

The suburbs are a different story. For some reason, suburbanites think it’s A-OK to hop in the SUV, roll up to someone’s home, and knock on the door just because they were “in the neighborhood.” Call me crazy, but I think that’s strange. In fact, if you pulled into my driveway without calling first, I would pretend that I wasn’t home, mostly because you’re being creepy.

Either way, we’re all bound to host impromptu guests at some point or another, whether it’s the weirdo PTA president from your son’s school wanting to discuss the bake sale or your husband’s work colleague who needs to kill some time before an event nearby. So you can rise to every occasion, here are some quick snack ideas from your pantry (with a few fridge staples mixed in) to satisfy those last-minute (and, hopefully, wanted) callers. (See also: Stretching Meals for Unexpected Guests)

PB&J Bites

There’s something about a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich that makes long-buried memories flood right back. Especially if it’s on white bread — which, apparently, nobody eats anymore. To take this old-school classic to the next level for company, use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out bite-sized pieces of bread that you can slather with a nutty spread and grown-up jams like blackberry or raspberry. Just don’t forget to make use of the scraps. Let the unused bread and crust go stale before putting it into a food processor to make homemade breadcrumbs or chopping the pieces into chunks for fresh salad croutons. If you’re feeling lazy, at least feed it to the birds.

Doctored-Up Popcorn

Dressing up popcorn couldn’t be quicker or easier. After three minutes in the microwave, top it with melted butter and Old Bay for a spicy, crab-seasoned kick (a fave that harkens back to my Baltimore roots), or toss it with black pepper and grated Parmesan for a tangy, cheesy kick. Want a little sweetness to balance out the salt? Toss plain popcorn with Milk Duds — a trick I learned from a lady at a movie theater once. Surprisingly good.

Trail Mix

Get rid of bottom-of-the-jar nuts, raisins, dried fruits, M&Ms, and granola for a hodgepodge of flavor that’s surprisingly filling. FYI — whole cashews and Craisins together are quite the combination.

Sliced Apples and Nutella

Just slice the apples (and squirt them with lemon juice so they don’t brown) and serve them alongside a ramekin of Nutella for a fresh-fruit-and-hazelnut appetizer. Other variations could include melted chocolate — semi-sweet chips melt down in minutes in a double boiler — or a homemade caramel sauce that can be made by boiling a can of condensed milk for three hours.

Ritz Cracker Mini-Pizzas

When I took Home Economics in middle school, this was one of the first items we made; latchkey kids need to eat, after all. Top the crackers with a dollop of pizza or pasta sauce, a small handful of cheese, and any other toppings you have on hand. Pop the mini-pizzas in a 400°F oven for a few minutes. Few ingredients, lots of flavor.

Turkey and Cheddar Triscuits

It's as fast as it sounds. Line up the crackers and top with a squirt of Dijon or deli mustard and thin squares of sharp cheddar — or your favorite cheese — and a half-slice of turkey. A little tip — either put the finished product in the fridge until the guests arrive or make five minutes before their ETA. You don’t want the fresh meat and cheese to dry out; it’s unappetizing.

Jell-O Mold

When I would stay with my grandmother on the weekends, she always had fresh Jell-O on hand, which is why I’m partial to it. I prefer it plain — maybe some Cool Whip on top — but company won’t be impressed by that. They will, however, give you props if you spike lime gelatin with booze and toss in some pomegranate seeds or cranberries to create a sweet and sinful treat for the eyes and mouth. It takes two minutes to make and about four hours to set.

Pudding Pops

A great summertime treat. Prepare instant chocolate pudding (in about three minutes) and put the mixture, with sticks, in the freezer for a few hours to harden. Bill Cosby himself couldn’t do it better.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa Velveeta

There’s a block of Velveeta in my pantry, but I can’t remember why I bought it. Unless I can recall, I plan to cut it into cubes, melt it down, and mix it with salsa served along chips. An oldie but still a goodie.

Spiced Honey Pretzels

When I raided my pantry to come up with these snacks, I found a bag of pretzels. In their regular, straight-from-the-bag state, pretzels are nothing special. Enter Google, which has a million and one recipes that take this figure-friendly chip alternative to the next level. I particularly like this recipe for Spiced Honey Pretzels. Onion and chili powders marry with the sticky-sweet bees' treat to create a crunchy, no-guilt carb fix.

Garlic Pita Chips With Marinara Sauce

If you have pita bread at home, cut the rounds into quarters, and toss with olive oil, a pinch of salt, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Bake the triangles at 450°F for five minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve with warmed pizza or pasta sauce.

Marinated Olives

This olive recipe combines lemon with garlic, olive oil, and rosemary. Assorted olives should rest in the mixture for at least an hour so the flavors can properly combine.

Spinach/Ranch Dip

Commercials are fantastic, albeit dangerous. Earlier this year — probably around Super Bowl time — Hidden Valley Ranch advertised its packet of ranch powder, found in the salad dressing aisle, as a spinach dip. All you’ll need is a block of frozen spinach, a large container of sour cream and the ranch powder. It’s a speedy recipe, but it does require some fridge time because frozen spinach usually needs to be boiled first, which is quite important to remember; you want to give your guests a light snack, not E. Coli.

Pasta Salad

At any given time there are nine boxes of pasta in my pantry. In the Sunday circulars, there are often coupons for Barilla and other brands, so I stock up. To make an off-the-cuff pasta salad, boil your favorite shape and toss with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh or dried basil, and Italian dressing or pesto sauce. Chill for two hours for a light and filling snack.

Have go-to snacks that you make for unexpected guests? Let me know what they are in the comments below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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How to Get Out of Social Obligations That Break Your Budget

Do you want to participate?

Use the same communication method used for the invitation

Start with gratitude

State a clear but firm "No"

Don't give a reason

End with specific good wishes

Take a homemade gift

Come late, leave early

Offer an alternative

Host it yourself

Set a no-product policy

Eat first and BYOB

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6 Summer Party Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

1. Hot Dog Buffet

2. Ice Cream Social

3. Afternoon of Games

4. Movie Night

5. Pool Party

6. BYOM Cookout

Ask the Readers: How Do You Host a Summer Party on a Budget?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Mandatory Entry:

For Extra Entries:

Giveaway Rules:

You Can Throw a Fun and Affordable Holiday Party — Here's How

Pare Down the Guest List

Get the Timing Right

Decorate Resourcefully

BYO All Sorts of Things

Feed Your Guests (Without Going Broke)

Festive Drinking The Cheap Way

Free Entertainment

Affordable Gifting

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14 Things Good Hosts Never Do

1. Expect Gifts

2. Let the Guests Fend for Themselves for Household Necessities

3. Request That Guests Bring Something (Unless They Insist)

4. Let Guests Clean Up

5. Require Guests to Pay Unexpectedly

6. Make a Scene If Someone Brings an Unapproved +1

7. Allow Anyone Underage to Drink

8. Run Out of Food and Drinks

9. Neglect to Clean and Properly Stock the Bathroom Prior

10. Stash Away the Good Bottle of Wine That the Guest Brought

11. Serve Themselves First

12. Allow Pets to Annoy Guests

13. Fail to Introduce Guests Who Don't Know Each Other

14. Invite the Wrong Mix of People

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Don't Ruin the Party: 11 Things Guests With Good Social Skills Never Do

1. Never Be Unnecessarily Non-Committal About an RSVP

2. Never Demand Special Food, Drink, or Treatment

3. Never Show Up Empty-Handed

4. Never Fail to Greet and Thank the Host

5. Never Monopolize the Host's Time

6. Never Wander Off-Limits

7. Never Fight With Another Guest

8. Never Complain About the Food

9. In Fact, Never Complain About Anything

10. Never Forget to Have Fun!

11. …And Failing That, Never Look Like You're Not Having Fun

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