Host a Labor Day Picnic for 8 for under $30!

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When it comes to frugal living and keeping the grocery budget down, I am always derailed by the cost of entertaining. Either I go overboard in an attempt to impress my guests (thus spending too much), or I avoid entertaining altogether in order to save money. 

I realized this week when I was doing my Wegmans Match-Ups that I could probably throw together a healthy, fun picnic menu for 8 lucky guests without busting my budget.  

First, I’ll share my menu, then I’ll show you my money-saving plan. :)

Menu: 

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas w/ Homemade Salsa

Chips & Guacamole

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Edamame

Fresh Corn on the Cobb

Fresh Fruit & Whipped Cream

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?  If you were invited to this party, would you know it only cost $30 to put together?

Here’s how I’ll do it: 

Slow Cooker Fajitas and Salsa

Philadelphia Cooking Creme, Plain -- $1.19 at Wegmans when you use this coupon

Small Jar of Newman’s Own Salsa Use $1/2 from 8/28 RP = $1.49

1 ear of cooked corn, cut off the cob = $.40

1 1/2 lb Chicken -- breast or thighs =$2.00

Burrito Wraps = $.99/8 with this Wegmans coupon

CSA Cucumber Salad (This is made with ingredients I will get in my CSA basket this week, so no out of pocket cost. The prices listed are if you purchase the items at Wegmans)

2 large cucumbers = $.89 each x 2 = $1.78

1 medium sweet onion = $.75

1 large tomato or 1 cup cherry tomatoes = $1.00

Oil, vinegar, salt & pepper, and fresh herbs to taste = cost negligible, pantry items

Chips and Guacamole:

Late July Snack Chips -- $1.50 when you use the coupon here

Wholly Guacamole -- $3.99 with this coupon

Edamame:

Cascadian Farms Edamame, $1.69 with the coupon here

Corn on the Cob -- 1 dozen= $4.00

Dessert:

Fresh Strawberries, $4.99

Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream -- $2.69 (add a pinch of sugar and vanilla when you whip it up to make it really flavorful!)

Drinks:

Homemade Rose Hibiscus Ice Tea -- Use a pitcher, about 5 tea bags, water, and the sun to create a delicious late summer treat = $1 

Total Out of Pocket: $29.46 -- and if you have a CSA and use what you get in your basket, you can create this menu for even less!

I’d love to hear your ideas for entertaining on a budget!