You want to open your home, open your life, and build community. You have a little concern though: How can you show hospitality on a budget?
There’s isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to your finances, but you feel called to reach out to those around you and invite others in. (For help with hospitality as in introvert check out this post!)
There are several ways you can be hospitable without breaking the bank. Think outside the box – there are no rules that showing hospitality can only look one way.
Hospitality on a Budget
Dessert
Make up a pan of brownies or a sheet cake and invite a family over for dessert. Super simple and you don’t have to worry about a main dish.
Popcorn and Games/Movie
This again skips the pressure of having to make a meal. Make up some buttery popcorn and a batch of kettle corn and pull out a few games to play.
Tea and Muffins
Invite a mom over one afternoon and let the kids play while you enjoy tea, muffins, and fellowship.
Cookies at the Park
Make up a batch or two of cookies (made with butter you bought on sale and stocked up in the freezer) and text some of your friends with kids and have them meet up at a local park.
Simple Meal
If you go for a meal, remember it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Go for easy and affordable. Use what you already have in the fridge or what’s on sale. Soup and homemade bread is one of my favorite frugal options. Pasta also tends to be a budget friendly (and kid friendly) option. Also, don’t worry about sides. If you have them, great, if not that’s fine too.
Simple
Don’t stress about decorations or drinks. Go for less unless you already have things to use. Watching after holiday clearance sales are a great way to add a few decor items to your stash for future events.
Potluck
You don’t have to do it all! Pick a theme and invite a few families over for a potluck. Perhaps Mexican, baked potato bar where everyone brings toppings, Italian, finger foods, or just a good old church style potluck.
Meet up at Free Community Events
Watch out for fun events in your town. Meeting up with friends for the Rodeo Parade or hitting up the ladies’ night out at a local store doesn’t cost either of you anything and it is still fun.
Coffee Shop or Restaurant
This one has the potential to not be budget friendly so plan carefully. Find a local place with some frugal items on the menu – a mug of black coffee or hot tea might cost you under $2. Split an appetizer. To save money, be sure to watch whether you are expected to tip or not.
Hospitality at my house isn’t elaborate.
There aren’t 5 course meals or grilled steak on the menu. However, no one has gone hungry and the food is always appreciated.
Find simple things to do that work with your budget. Don’t stress. Just invite people in and enjoy their company.
What are you favorite ways to show hospitality on a budget?
If you are an introvert and find yourself struggling with hospitality, be sure to check out this post for encouragement!
For a lot more info on hospitality and learning to just open the door to your home and life, be sure to check out Jen Schmidt’s new book!
