Built a Personal Bar in Our Backyard, Streamlining Annual Spending on Social Outings by £6,000
In North Yorkshire, Claire and Matthew Appleton have turned their garden into a charming and cost-effective party venue known as 'Prosecco Palace'. Here's how they did it, offering valuable insights for those looking to host their own budget-friendly garden parties.
## Creating a Budget-Friendly Garden Party Venue
The Appletons' garden is a testament to thoughtful planning and DIY creativity. To help you set up a similar garden party venue, we've outlined six key steps:
### 1. Choose a Theme - Cozy and Rustic: Use natural elements like burlap, twine, and pinecones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. - Vintage Floral: Incorporate pastel colors and floral patterns to create a whimsical feel.
### 2. Utilize Existing Spaces - Rearrange furniture to create cozy nooks and pathways. - String lights or lanterns can add ambiance without high costs.
### 3. Decorate with Nature - Use flowers from your garden or gather wildflowers to create beautiful arrangements. - Place potted plants around the garden to add color and texture.
### 4. DIY Decorations - Create your own paper flowers for a unique and reusable decoration. - Fill mason jars with candles, flowers, or fairy lights for a warm glow.
### 5. Budget-Friendly Food and Drinks - Offer a picnic-style buffet with finger foods like sandwiches, fruit, and cheese. - Create a signature cocktail using seasonal fruits and herbs.
### 6. Entertainment - Set up garden games like croquet, badminton, or a giant Jenga. - Play soft background music to keep the atmosphere lively.
## The Appleton's Budget-Friendly Transformations
The Appletons' garden is filled with seating and dining areas, created using repurposed items like old doors and palettes. Claire even built, painted, and decorated the Prosecco Palace bar herself, sourcing materials on Amazon for £370.
In the kitchen, the couple updated the worktops using DC-Fix film, painted the cupboards, and replaced the handles. Claire also used a Primark tanning mitt to apply polish when sprucing up the bannisters.
## The Shift Towards Home Entertaining
Kara Gammell, MoneySuperMarket's personal finance expert, stated that there has been a significant shift towards hosting at home in recent months. MoneySuperMarket's latest research found that 75% of Britons are hosting more at home rather than going out, with one in five throwing more parties than two years ago.
Claire Appleton, a member of MoneySuperMarket's SuperSaveClub, prefers hosting events at home, finding it to be a nicer atmosphere and more central to their socializing during the summer. Since renovating their garden and home, the couple now go out for special occasions around seven times a year.
By hosting at home, Claire reckons she saves more than £6,000 a year, compared to the hundreds of pounds they used to spend on social events, including dinners, drinks trips, and travel to Leeds.
With the Appleton's 'Prosecco Palace' as inspiration, creating a budget-friendly garden party venue at home is achievable for many. So, get creative, and enjoy hosting memorable gatherings in the comfort of your own backyard!
- By incorporating DIY decorations such as paper flowers and mason jar candles, one can creatively decorate their garden party venue to save on costs.
- For personal finance enthusiasts, hosting a garden party at home can lead to significant savings, as demonstrated by the Appletons who save over £6,000 annually by hosting parties instead of dining out.
- With the Prosecco Palace bar built by Claire Appleton using materials sourced from Amazon, homeowners can transform their garden into a charming and cost-effective party venue, redefining their personal finance and lifestyle.
