Host A Thrifty Post-Pandemic BBQ!

​Everyone is beginning to feel the spirit of summertime! New Mexico has an outstanding rate of vaccination and this means that many of us are in the clear to plan or attend events. You can celebrate with an amazing post-pandemic BBQ and spend less than you ever imagined! 
 
We started a Pinterest board with some cute ideas and are sharing a few tips of our own to help you save some cash on your BBQ blast.

Invites:  Think social media! Utilize your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and text messaging apps to send a simple invite.  We believe modern rules are more relaxed where invitations are concerned so let technology work for you and save your money!

Decorations:  Your local Goodwill store is a great place to start when looking for inexpensive decorations! Pick a color theme like red, white and blue and go shopping.  You can find tablecloths, fabrics, and bandanas priced as low as $1.99.  Check the housewares section for mason jars, jugs, galvanized ice buckets and large plastic containers. Finally, get the kids involved by allowing them to string together colorful paper cut-outs to hang throughout the yard.

​Food:  The menu doesn’t have to break your bank. Think pot-luck! Plan an easy menu with hamburgers, hot dogs or brats. Skip expensive sodas and make lemonade, fruit punch, or infused water! Then ask your guests to bring one side dish! It might help to “suggest” side dishes, so you have an idea of what is coming. By the time everyone arrives you’ll have an amazing spread!

Fun:  Remember to have fun! Lots of it!  Good backyard games include corn-hole, water balloons, yard darts, jumbo Jenga and other easy to plan games like Balls in a Basket pictured here. You could make your own Balls in a Basket using repurposed pallets sourced from local stores and some plastic containers and balls sourced from Goodwill! Let your imagination go crazy or visit our Pinterest board for ideas!
 

We found these images and the great ideas behind them on Pinterest!