5 tips for summer backyard entertaining on a budget

While you may never be on the Martha Stewart or Ina Garten level of home entertaining, there's no reason you can't aspire to their easy, breezy entertaining philosophies.

And while you're at it, you can aspire to host for less — making Friday night dinners or Sunday brunch affordable, digestible and eminently enjoyable affairs. So instead of spending big on an all-out bash or intimate outdoor cocktail party, check out these savvy and simple ways to save money on your summer shindig.

1. Don't get carried away

Decide what you're going to make and stick to the plan. Whether you're hosting a brunch for six of your closest friends or a Sunday supper with your neighbors and their two kids, put together an appropriate menu based on the number of people as well as the occasion.

Food writer and photographer Casey Barber admits to fighting the urge to make too much food every time. "Over-serving my guests is the number-one way costs get out of hand," she cautions.

Barber urges hosts not to overdo it. And if you simply must add one more thing, take a nod from Stewart and put out some radishes and olive oil: cheap and delicious.

2. Let sides take center stage

The announcement from one of the world's top restaurants, Eleven Madison Park, that it will no longer be serving meat or seafood should tell you one thing: Meat isn't everything. In fact, it may not be necessary at all. Barber suggests using meat as an accent, not the main course. For example, grill one large steak (skirt and flank steaks are more affordable cuts) and slice it up for fajitas or with a wedge salad.

3. Embrace nature as your décor

One of the great things about hosting a small summer gathering is the great outdoors. Minimize cleanup by opting for paper plates and utensils, of which there are now many environmentally friendly options to choose from. Another bonus? There is absolutely no need to decorate.

You can light a few tiki torches if the party goes on past dusk and maybe some string lights under the pergola. Add a good playlist and you're all set.

4. Be open to BYOB

Assume that at least half your guests are going to bring some form of alcohol, and be done fretting about your bar situation — even if it is a bit lacking.

Stock up on sodas and mixers, all of which can be procured cheaply. Pick up an orange and a couple of limes and lemons, and make a simple big-batch drink if you can't be content with the DIY approach. It doesn't have to be elaborate either: Try a homemade simple syrup (an herb infusion adds a hint of sophistication) mixed with lemonade or iced tea. It's delicious with or without vodka/gin/bourbon/tequila — your guests can pick their poison based on whatever liquor you've laid out or they've come armed with.

5. Save precious time

No one cares if the hummus is homemade.

So although it might give you bragging rights to say you made it yourself, in the end, any savings isn't great enough to justify the time, effort and moderate appreciation. There is one exception to this rule, though, which Barber notes: "Guacamole is always better from scratch, even if it does cost more."