How can we entertain company with little or no money?

Question

My wife & I haven't had people over in a while (she's been ill). Now her health is improving and I'd like to have a small celebration to raise her spirits a bit, but we are extremely broke and in debt from the health costs and b/c she has been out of work. Any ideas?

Answer 1

In South Africa we have a thing called Bring and Braai (Barbecue)
Essentially they bring their own Meat and alcohol, if they want they can bring a large bowl of Salad.
You supply the snacks,soft drinks, and venue.
Everyone shares in whatever everyone else brought
It works, at least in South Africa it does.

Answer 2

Oddly this reminds me of a conversation I had with a good friend a few days ago.
Ask for help. let your friends know that you want to have people over but feel that it is something that you can't manage on you own. I bet you'll end up with more food than you would have provided on your own.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or anything like that. It is one of the best things that can build community even if the group lives all over the place.

Answer 3

Movies, board games...I know they are kind of a thing of the past but you'd be surprised how much fun they are with your friends. How about card games? A godd round of Bull S**t will have every one laughing. Look online for some cool card games.

Oh! And have everyone bring a dish to pass. That way you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money on food either.

Answer 4

A Saturday evening Card Party would be fun-doesn't mater what kind-anything from Old Maid to Texas Hold-um, with match sticks won instead of money. Potato chips & cokes or even iced tea-heck, people just love to get together & chat. Yes, men too!

Answer 5

Send out invitations to your friends and ask them to come to your party -- a pot luck party. Include a list of Appetizer, Main Course, etc. and ask each guest to volunteer to bring a dish. Then, enjoy the party. Everyone will understand, and everyone will enjoy being able to visit. And the mix of food and friendship will be memorable. Best wishes to your wife as she continues to improve.

Answer 6

Ask the people you invite to contribute,they are probably aware of what has been happening and would not want to put more strain on you both either physically or financially. Have a great time.

Answer 7

Hey its not the entertainment, its the reason. I wouldn't care if you threw a party with hot dogs and chips and a guitar. Its the reason for the party that counts. If I was your friend or family, I'd be there no matter what.

Congrats that she's feeling better!

Answer 8

Laughter is the best medicine pot luck at your house people will understand she has been ill and not want to put too much stress on her everyone brings a dish to make it easier and they understand that they are there to help her feel better.

Answer 9

Have a potluck with your friends. My friends and I do this often because we are all just starting out after college and don't have money. Everyone brings something like dessert or drinks. It's fun and cheap and we always have a great time.

Answer 10

now we're talking, party time, its not what you lay on for the guests, the guests make the party, 3yrs ago we fancied having a party to lift our spirits a bit. but we too where skint, so we invited lots of friends to a bread and jam party, four loafs two jars of jam, what a night, now we get invited to bread and jam party's, (beware jam can be sticky stuff, especially if your liking it off someones body, mmmmm)