Last Minute Fourth of July Savings Tips

Food, friends, fireworks and the Fourth of July. What better way to celebrate the birth of our country?

Each year, our family typically drives downtown for the big city fireworks show. But this year, we are keeping it simple with a small neighborhood gathering. There are a ton of kids, friendly neighbors, a pool and plenty of memories to be made right here at home.

As most holidays do, the Fourth of July can bring added expenses. It is not too late to plan a festive celebration, complete with frugal decor for little money. Start by cutting your food costs with printable coupons and plan a simple menu. I love Lifetime Mom Dawn's tips for a party, complete with recipe ideas.

Here are some further tips from premier New York caterer and Founder of Between the Bread, Ricky Eisen:

1.       To give your table a decorated look, layer the table cloths.  Mix colors, textures and sizes.  I especially like tablecloths which have fringes.  Mix and match lanterns to give further complexity to the table.  If you are using a wooden table, don't cover it entirely.  Let some of the wood show.

2.       Although fresh flowers are always a great addition to any buffet, for a more cost effective alternative use fresh fruit such as pineapple, melon and plums.  Find a tree bark as the anchor to the center of the table, add twigs and leafy branches from the garden and you can have a great centerpiece, most of which can be eaten later.

3.       If your party is outdoors, a fun addition to the Fourth of July decor are sparkling candles which are available at most paper supply stores.  Use votive candles and protect the flames with paper bags (available at every supermarket.)  These makeshift lanterns can mark the pathways from the street to the party, decorate the buffet and add light to a darkened spot.

4.       Extra long wooden skewers are ideal for larger gatherings.  Earlier in the day (if you have enough refrigeration space you can do this the day before,) skewer shrimp, chicken, beef, sausage, hot dogs and vegetables which you've cut into two bite portions, marinate and grill as needed.  It will take less time to grill and your guests will not need eating implements.

Get inspired with nine more red, white and blue favorites from around the web.

How are you celebrating The Fourth of July, for less?