3 tips to entertain on a budget

Fancy staying in and inviting some friends? Staying at home can often be much more social and rewarding than going out. The playlists are yours, your shoes are comfortable and you don’t have annoying guys hitting on you at the bar. While there is some organising and cooking involved, it can all be done on a budget. Here are my top 3 tips to entertain on a budget that are sure to be a hit with your friends! Better yet, they won’t break the bank.

MOVIE NIGHT

Popcorn and cola is so last year. Entertain on a budget and invite the squad over for a movie night with affordable snacks and wine! Crackers, chips, dips and chocolate, pick up some easy snacks that don’t require much effort. Better yet, ask each person to bring their favourite movie treat to share with the group. As for wine, Australian brand Baily and Baily provides one litre bottles that are perfect for sharing. And at just $10 a bottle, these are too tempting to resist. With grapes sources from regions like Barossa Valely, Coonawarra and Margaret river there is a flavour for everyone. There’s an impressive 8 varieties to choose from: Rosé, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Dry White, Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Moscato to be launched later this year. Baily & Baily Silhouette Series one litre range is available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s nationally for $10.00 (RRP).

GAMES NIGHT & COMFORT COCKTAILS

Turn games night into something fancy with a dash of cold brew coffee liqueur. Mr Black Coffee Liquor is crafted on NSW’s central coast and gives the perfect base for an energising aperitif. Bring out all the classics like Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Scrabble and Jenga and keep your guests energised! The best part is there are so many ways to serve! Enjoy Mr Black on the rocks, with a dash of milk or in an espresso martini. Want something fizzy and fun? Try the Midnight Aperitif recipe below!

40ml Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
15ml Aperol
90ml ginger beer

Add Mr Black and Aperol to a tall glass and stir well. Add ice cubes before topping with ginger beer. Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is available at Dan Murphy’s nationally RRP $51.99

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Enjoy a fabulous Sunday morning that turns into late afternoon with a brunch to remember! Serve up some pancakes and load them up with fresh berries, honey and jam. On the side, serve ham and cheese croissants, granola and yoghurt. All these ingredients can be purchased on a budget at your local supermarket. Once your guests are all carbed up, it’s time to serve some wine! A new release that has completely stolen my heart is the Young and Co jam-packed fruit flavoured wines. Sourced from some of the world’s leading wine regions in Australia and France, the range delivers a perfect balance of style and sass while bursting with rich favours.
“The Jam” Shiraz, “Cherry Bomb” Pinot Noir and “Berry Riot” Grenache all serve distinctive fruity notes that are perfect for a lazy afternoon. Not only do they taste great but the bottle presentation shows feminity, class and flair. Young and Co are available from BWS nationally and retail for $23