9 Summer Backyard Entertaining Tips That Actually Work

Just in time for warm weather, I’ve rounded up my favorite summer party hacks perfect for families on a budget. These are easy, cheap, and are sure to wow your guests.

So, if you’re looking for outdoor party games, food, and decor ideas, I’ve got some effortless tips that can be accomplished for dirt cheap.

Check out these ways to save money on your next summer party:

• How to save money shopping at Dollar Tree

• Use food coupons whenever you’re shopping at a grocery or drug store.

• Bookmark outdoor coupons and deals so you’re the first to know when something on your summer party shopping list goes on sale.

For more savings hacks and smart shopping tips, text HACKS to 57299.

1. Skip the insect repellent and put a dryer sheet in your pocket instead.

Prefer stronger insect repellent? Use these Off! coupons to save.

2. Every summer party needs a sticky fingers station.

You can do this with a simple bucket, hand wipes, and sanitizer, or you can use a water jug and hand soap to make it a full hand-washing station. (Think: camping hack for cleaning hands in the great outdoors.)

And hey, don’t pay full price for any of this stuff! Here’s what you need to save money:

Paper towel couponsHand sanitizer couponsBaby wipes coupons

3. Painted pineapple crowns are easy (and cheap) outdoor party decorations.

If your summer party theme is along the lines of tropical, or maybe an island theme, this is the perfect decor. It works as a table centerpiece, or just scattered around your backyard. Pineapples are cheap in the summer — usually under $4 each. Use a foam brush and acrylic paint to color the crowns to match your theme.

Get your hands on produce coupons to save on pineapple.

4. Use ketchup and mustard to write guests’ burger preferences.

If you don’t want to hover around the grill, carefully use ketchup or mustard to write “W” for well done, or “R” for rare on your bun. This way, the chef knows what you’d like even if you set your plate down and walk away. If you’re worried about a mix-up between “W” and “M” for medium, go ahead and write out “Well” or “Med.”

While you’re at it, mark the bun with your name so it’s clear who it belongs to.

Get ketchup coupons so you can stock up and save money.

5. Pre-scoop your ice cream so it’s summer party-ready.

So, deal with the mess before the party instead by prepping scoops ahead of time. Put them inside silicone baking cup liners or the like.

Psst… there are ice cream deals galore during the summer months. Don’t even think about buying full-price treats.

6. Make watermelon pops and enjoy less mess.

Kids will think it’s fun, but you’ll know the real reason you did it: to keep the mess down. Muahaha.

Go ahead and use this trick on all melons. Cantaloupe and honeydew pops work, too!

7. Use a wine glass for a DIY chips-and-dip bowl.

A wine or margarita glass makes a great salsa holder. All you need is a big plastic bowl and some tortilla chips and you’re all set. I bet you have most of this on hand.

8. Prevent ice cream from leaking through a cone with a marshmallow.

Any size works, although for a waffle cone, I’d go with a jumbo marshmallow. Tell kids there’s a prize at the bottom and see who gets to it first.

9. Instead of water balloons, throw sponge balls.

You’ll need two plain sponges per ball. Cut each sponge into six long strips and stack six strips on top of six like this:

Place a rubber band tightly around the center of all the pieces, then manually move the pieces to form a star shape.

Fill up a couple buckets with water, soak the sponges, and throw them around for fun on a hot summer day.