10 Simple Ways to Entertain on a Dime

I think we overthink entertaining.

Yep.

We let it overwhelm us.

We think we have to spend too much money.

We think our home or our kitchen or our meal or our food might not be enough.

No.

Just. NO.

WE ARE ENOUGH.

Truly.

Nothing too fancy. Nothing too overwhelming. Just making the everyday something special.

And today I’m sharing simple, easy entertaining ideas you don’t have to overthink or spend a ton of money on. Starting with a simple picnic.

On this beach.

1. Every picnic starts with a blanket

Or a curtain.

These are extra curtains we had in our basement and we didn’t have any tablecloths and I didn’t want to spend any money.

See what I mean? NO OVERTHINKING.

You are outside.

The ocean and jetty don’t care if you are sitting on window coverings.

2. Bring along music

Nothing fancy, just a cell phone.

Stream music or just play from your playlist.

It’s amazing how a little music makes the grapes and strawberries taste better.

3. Use dishtowels as linens

I’ve tried paper outside before and it just blows away.

Dish towels are a great option.

Then I use them to clean up afterward.

4. Add pillows

We asked everyone to bring their own chairs.

But just in case they didn’t?

We brought extra pillows.

Nothing goes better with curtains on the beach than indoor/outdoor pillows.

5. Add outdoor games

I always want to talk to everyone at the party.

My teenagers don’t.

With a little planning, I have outdoor games ready for them like football or flying a kite or kayaking to keep them entertained on the beach.

More talking time for me.

6. Simple white dishes are a great option

I love white dishes like these melamine plates.

They go with everything.

Especially the ocean.

7. Think fresh

There’s just something about eating fresh vegetables and fruit outside that reminds me of summer.

Shop farmer’s markets, roadside stands or even the organic section of the grocery store for the freshest options around.

And keep what you serve simple.

I just tossed together what we had on hand in a bag and headed down the path to the beach.

8. Add a few throws

I love bringing extra throws to a party.

That way if it gets chilly as the sun goes down, you can just wrap up.

It’s a great way to encourage more talking.

9. Use what you have

This impromptu picnic I put together for friends and family was just stuff I already have.

A few snacks.

Music.

Games.

Conversation.

Those are SO MUCH more important than spending money on a big celebration.

10. Enjoy

Don’t stress. Don’t worry.

That’s the joy of eating outside.

If something spills, there’s no need to clean it up.

Just sit back, relax and enjoy family and friends and the ocean breezes….

….and all that conversation. 🙂

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