Between summer camp registrations, family vacations, and the endless loop of “Can we go somewhere?” requests from my kids, summer has a way of putting my budget on life support. This year, with sky-high gas prices, inflation-gobbling grocery bills, and a desperate desire to avoid the credit card hangover I’ve experienced in summers past, I’ve been more intentional about where our discretionary dollars go.
The problem? Saving money during the summer often feels like it comes at the expense of my own social life. With less room in the budget for brunch catch-ups, girls’ trips, concerts, and spontaneous weekend plans, I felt an initial flash of panic as I envisioned a lonely-mom summer spent mostly at home, juggling work, kids, and the occasional stolen moment of peace.
Then, during a round of venting in my mom group chats, I realized I wasn’t the only one trying to strike this balance. Nearly every mom I know is looking for ways to keep summer fun without overspending. That’s when it hit me: maybe the answer wasn’t finding more money for social plans—it was rethinking what socializing looks like in the first place.
Opening up my home as a low-key social hub has allowed me to fill my own cup, stay connected with friends, and create summer memories without constantly reaching for my wallet.
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Instead of treating my house as the place I retreat to between activities, I’ve started treating it as the destination. Opening up my home as a low-key social hub has allowed me to fill my own cup, stay connected with friends, and create summer memories without constantly reaching for my wallet.
My Achilles heel is resisting the urge to turn every gathering into a Pinterest-worthy production. In the past, I’ve avoided hosting by convincing myself I need new patio furniture, elaborate menus, or professionally planned activities before I could invite people over. Once I let go of the idea that hosting had to be performative, it became much easier—and a lot more affordable—to say, “Come over.” Here’s how I’m prioritizing connection over perfection this year.
Food needs to be tasty, not impressive
No one is expecting a Michelin-worthy meal with their invite. My proof? Find me a mom who hasn’t counted leftover nuggets and baby carrots as dinner without giving it a second thought. By all means, go a step beyond frozen food for your guests, but don’t discount the crowd-pleasing power and affordability of a couple of Costco pizzas or carved up four-dollar rotisserie chickens and a simple salad. I’d wager that your guests are also more than willing to chip in a baked good, a bottle of wine, chips and salsa, or anything else they can contribute to the bounty. If they ask what they can bring, do yourself a favor and tell them.
Don’t wait for your backyard glow up to entertain outdoors
When the weather is nice, people tend to congregate around whatever yard space you have. When we invited a handful of friends and their kids over for a summer BBQ, our outdoor seating consisted of two Adirondack chairs and an Ikea dining table and bench set. Instead of panic shopping for patio furniture, I spread blankets on top of our lawn for a picnic-style set up that both the kids and adults flocked to. The result? Everyone wanted a spot on the blankets and our Adirondack chairs and Ikea dining set remained empty.
Crowdsource your friends’ talents and hobbies
I’m passionate about creating art but have struggled to carve out more time for it since becoming a mom. Instead of shelling out for a paint and sip party, I’m hosting an intimate watercolors workshop at my place—no drink tickets required. Emily Lex Studio has a stunning collection of Watercolor Workbooks ($24) that are beginner friendly. Instead of having to paint a random paint and sip design that might not match our aesthetics, these workbooks offer 19 different themes to choose from, ranging from flowers to animals. We’re all ordering a workbook that speaks to us and I’m sharing watercolor paints and brushes I’ve collected over the years. In return, one of my friends is hosting a series of Qigong workshops—an ancient Chinese wellness practice that combines mindful movements and breath work—at her place.
Don’t overthink playdates
I used to feel pressured to invest in entertainment options when hosting playdates. After purchasing a pricey corn hole set for my kids and their friends to play with, I noticed that they spent more time rummaging through a bin of old Halloween costumes and creating their own make-believe world in our back yard. Turns out, other kids’ stuff always feels novel compared to your own, and your own stuff is infinitely more captivating when you have someone else to engage with it. You’d also be surprised by how simple and cheap activities like building cardboard box creations, creating sidewalk chalk obstacle courses, or tossing water balloons on a hot day can lead to hours of entertainment.
I look at hosting as an opportunity for connection during a season that can otherwise feel surprisingly isolating for moms. No one remembers whether you served artisanal appetizers or whether your outdoor furniture matched. They remember laughing in the backyard while their kids ran through sprinklers, lingering over a slice of pizza, or finally catching up after months of texting “We should get together soon.”
This summer, instead of stretching my budget to keep up with an ambitious social calendar, I’m challenging myself to open my front door a little more often. Not only is it saving me money, it’s reminding me that some of the best summer memories don’t require a reservation, a road trip, or a big spend—just a few people gathered in the same place.
