01

of 20

Double Duty

Jason Donnelly

In order to save money on your backyard bash, you should use every part of materials available to you. This DIY centerpiece transforms a leftover watermelon rind into a stunning display. All you have to do is hollow out the fruit and add the juicy watermelon to your menu. Then, fill the empty rind with soaked floral foam and fresh flowers for a fun, vibrant touch.

02

of 20

Decorate with Flowers

Adam Albright

Forego pricey florists and choose locally-grown blooms instead. You can save both time and money by visiting your local farmers market. Flower farms commonly offer beautiful, unique blooms at a lower cost. Many booths also sell pre-made bouquets, making it quick and easy to bring greenery directly from the market to your gathering.

03

of 20

Sundae Bar

Enjoying cold ice cream during summer is a treat, and a DIY sundae bar makes it even more fun. Offer each guest a small jar of ice cream and a selection of tasty toppings, like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and candy, so they can create their own sundaes. Pre-scoop the ice cream into jars and store them in the freezer until the event.

To make your outdoor party setup quick and efficient, pre-scoop ice cream into small jars and store them in the freezer until it's time to set up the DIY sundae bar. This way, the ice cream is ready to go, and you won't have to worry about scooping during the party.

04

of 20

Self-Serve Sangria

Rebekah Photography

Every party needs a drink station, but fancy cocktails can add up quickly. You should consider setting up a self-serve sangria station using affordable wine and seasonal fruits. Our fresh and fruity sangria recipes ensure that all of your guests will enjoy delicious drinks without realizing you're using budget-friendly ingredients.

05

of 20

Pick a Color Scheme

Greg Scheidemann

Focus on a few select snacks and a cohesive color scheme using patterned paper and attractive, affordable napkins in order to host a budget-friendly outdoor gathering that appears polished. Dollar stores commonly carry party supplies in solid colors. Choose a hue you like and enhance it with black or white accents.

06

of 20

Build a Watermelon Bar

Annie Schlechter

In-season watermelon is an affordable and satisfying treat your guests will enjoy. Create a summer watermelon bar by offering cut melon with a variety of toppings. Salt is popular. However, you should consider adding spices and herbs for a creative and savory spread that is both easy and delightful.

07

of 20

DIY Burger Bar

Annie Schlechter

You can host a backyard burger bash with a variety of hamburgers and toppings that feel extravagant yet budget-friendly. Invite friends or neighbors, and provide the burgers and grill while they bring a side or topping to enjoy. This casual outdoor gathering is ideal for using paper plates, adding simplicity to your event.

08

of 20

DIY Lawn Games

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed

You can easily create a charming DIY ring toss game for just a few dollars using plastic tubing, wood, and paint. It's simple to construct and allows for customization with any colors you prefer.

09

of 20

Paper Pom Decorations

Blaine Moats

For just a few dollars, you can craft an eye-catching outdoor decoration on your own. Simply make DIY tissue paper poms and suspend them with clear fishing line. String these poms to adorn the buffet area or hang them against a blank wall in order to set up a festive photo backdrop.

10

of 20

Declare a Potluck

Annie Schlechter

An easy way to cut costs while entertaining is to organize a summer potluck. When inviting your guests, make sure to request that each person contribute a specific side dish, dessert, or drink. This ensures a well-rounded menu with plenty for everyone.

11

of 20

Hanging Medallions

Greg Scheidemann

Suspend large fold-up paper medallions above the main table to create a fun, cozy atmosphere. Coordinate them with your chosen color scheme and vary their sizes for visual interest. These simple decorations are sure to spark conversation, and with our easy instructions and free pattern, assembling them is a breeze.

12

of 20

Serve Snow Cones

Adam Albright

Snow cones offer the quintessential cool treat for the summer season, made from ice and syrup, making them an affordable choice for a crowd. Prepare a batch of fruity snow cones for your guests, or elevate an adult gathering with our boozy versions.

13

of 20

Decorate with Garden Flowers

Matt Armendariz

For outdoor party decorations, nothing tops free! Use seasonal summer flowers picked directly from your garden to enhance your gathering’s decor. Consider offering freshly cut blooms as charming party favors for guests as they leave.

14

of 20

Make Nostalgic Treats

Matt Armendariz

Every summer gathering benefits from a tasty, cold treat! Create DIY nostalgic treats by placing ice cream between our favorite chocolate chip cookies. Store these delights in the freezer until you’re ready to serve dessert to your guests.

15

of 20

Add Wine Labels

James Carriere

Enjoy affordable sipping by dressing up a budget-friendly bottle of wine with our personalized wine wrap. This clever idea not only conceals the original label but can also incorporate the wine into your party's color scheme.

16

of 20

DIY Paper Fans

Greg Scheidemann

Accordion-folded fans offer both a cooling breeze and vibrant decor. Arrange them in a sand-filled box in order to create an eye-catching DIY party centerpiece.

17

of 20

Colorful Candleholders

Marty Baldwin

You can easily transform jars into colorful candleholders with a swift application of transparent paint. Mix and match hues to achieve simple and affordable mood lighting for your event.

18

of 20

Decorate with Bandannas

David Tsay

Layer basic bandannas as a table runner for any outdoor party, pairing them with grocery-store flowers. A combination of crisp white and blue offers a fun, classic look.

19

of 20

Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad

Andy Lyons

You can create an incredible pasta salad using pantry staples such as pasta, eggs, and mayo. Prepare it up to six hours before your event begins and chill until serving time.

20

of 20

Dip-Dye Napkins

Greg Scheidemann

You can enhance basic cloth napkins using our straightforward dip-dye technique. This easy method also applies to creating cotton table runners or placemats.

To make the napkins:

1. Follow the package directions for fabric dye. Add 2 cups of warm water to each of three deep bowls (stainless steel or glass). Add 1 cup of dye solution to the first bowl, ½ cup to the second, and ¼ cup to the third.
2. Dip a folded white cotton napkin into the weakest dye solution, leaving the top section undyed. Leave it in the solution for about 15-30 seconds. Squeeze to remove excess dye. Continue the process by dipping the napkin at a lesser depth in each of the stronger solutions to achieve an ombre effect.