How to Host Friends at Home Without Spending Too Much

Inviting friends over for a get-together is always enjoyable, but it can sometimes put a strain on your budget. The good news is that hosting doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable and fun. Here are some practical tips to help you entertain guests at home without overspending.

1. Plan Simple, Homemade Meals

Instead of ordering takeout or catering, prepare homemade dishes that are both delicious and affordable. Opt for recipes with ingredients you already have or that are inexpensive to buy in bulk. Finger foods, pasta dishes, and hearty salads are great options that are easy to make and serve.

2. Set a Casual Atmosphere

You don’t need fancy decorations to create a welcoming environment. Use what you have around the house—fresh flowers from your garden, candles, or string lights can add charm without costing a lot. Comfortable seating and good music also go a long way to set the mood.

3. Limit the Drink Selection

Offering a wide variety of beverages can quickly add up. Instead, pick one or two drink options, like homemade lemonade or a signature cocktail. Providing water infused with fruits or herbs is a refreshing and budget-friendly alternative.

4. Encourage Potluck Style

Invite your friends to bring a dish or drink to share. This not only helps distribute the cost but also adds variety to the table. Just coordinate in advance to avoid duplicates.

5. Use What You Have

Make the most of your existing kitchenware, decorations, and entertainment resources. Reuse items from previous gatherings and focus on spending your time and creativity rather than money.

Final Thoughts

Hosting friends at home can be enjoyable and affordable with a bit of planning and creativity. Focus on the experience and the company rather than lavish spending, and your get-together will surely be a hit!

https://www.pulse.ng/articles/pulse-picks/general/budget-hosting-essentials-2025092216061731668

Hastings, who has been involved with H-1B policy discussions for over three decades, described the move as “a great solution.”

He shared his thoughts in a post on the social media platform X, highlighting the positive impact of the decision.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/netflix-co-founder-praises-donald-trumps-usd-100000-h1b-visa-fee-calls-it-great-solution-23595386

NEW YORK, United States – Gains by tech giants Nvidia, Apple, and Oracle helped propel US equity indices to fresh records on Monday, overcoming early weakness and concerns the market could be overvalued.

For the third straight session, all three major indices powered to new all-time peaks, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index, which finished strong.

https://business.inquirer.net/548531/tech-giants-help-lift-us-stocks-to-fresh-records

University of Santo Tomas (UST) emerged as the overall champion in the 2025 Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge. The event was held at Home Court, Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

UST dominated the competition, bagging an impressive seven gold medals. Leading the charge was Eljey Dan Tormis, who secured the college men’s singles title after outlasting his teammate in a thrilling match.

With this remarkable performance, UST solidified its position as a powerhouse in collegiate table tennis, showcasing the skill and dedication of its athletes.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641240/ust-dominates-table-tennis-tilt

Firms and People

The relationship between firms and people is fundamental to the success of any business. Firms rely on skilled individuals to drive innovation, manage operations, and deliver value to customers. Conversely, people depend on firms for employment, career growth, and financial stability.

Understanding this dynamic helps organizations create better work environments and adopt strategies that benefit both the company and its employees. Strong collaboration and mutual respect can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and long-term success.

As the business landscape evolves, firms must continuously adapt to meet the changing needs of their workforce while leveraging their talents to stay competitive in the market.

https://www.nationalaffairs.com/blog/detail/findings-a-daily-roundup/a-lot-to-manage

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine pharmaceutical industry is projected to generate almost $2 billion in revenues this year, supported by the government’s continued backing of the fast-growing sector.

According to the Board of Investments (BOI), the pharmaceutical sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.1 percent through 2029.

“This upward trend is expected…

https://business.inquirer.net/548473/ph-pharma-sector-revenues-seen-hitting-2b-in-25

There might be a reason to label Converge as a spoiler to the expected duopoly between teams from San Miguel Corp. and MVP Group, especially after two tuneup victories featuring prized rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño.

However, no less than the FiberXers’ designated coach, Pampanga Vice Governor Delta Pineda, was quick to downplay the growing expectations going into the season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641238/converge-potential-smc-mvp-spoiler-be-patient-says-coach

Indian cricketer Rahul Chahar has been included in the Surrey squad for their upcoming match against Hampshire.

The game is set to take place at the Utilita Bowl, promising an exciting contest between the two teams.

Chahar’s inclusion is expected to strengthen Surrey’s bowling attack, adding depth and experience to the squad. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in this crucial fixture.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/rahul-chahar-joins-surrey-for-final-championship-match-of-season/story

African crafts are renowned for their creativity and resourcefulness. Artisans skillfully transform natural materials into beautiful and functional items, showcasing impressive craftsmanship.

One remarkable application of this creativity is the creation of gardening tools. Using readily available natural materials, African craftspeople design and make tools that are both practical and environmentally friendly. These handmade tools not only reflect cultural heritage but also promote sustainable gardening practices.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/create-your-own-gardening-tools-with-these-materials/story

MANILA, Philippines — Fans can now catch world-class action in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at half the price starting Monday.

Bulgaria takes on Portugal at 3:30 p.m., while the USA and Slovenia compete for the last quarterfinal slot at 8:00 p.m. The matches will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Japan thanks fans for home crowd feel in…
https://sports.inquirer.net/641181/fivb-mens-world-slashes-ticket-prices