How to throw a dinner party on a budget

There’s something special about gathering friends and whānau for a dinner party at home. But let’s be honest – it doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top to be a great night. A dinner party should be all about good food, great company, and a relaxed atmosphere (that both guests and the host can enjoy). Here’s a menu to help you host a memorable evening without breaking the bank.

Appetiser: Baked brie with honey

Baked brie with honey is simple but elegant. 

Although brie is our top tick, you can use a variety of cheeses, depending on what’s on special at your local supermarket – brie, camembert, or even feta. Serve with crusty French bread, crackers, or make your own flatbread if you're feeling creative. 

Tip: if you’ve got some rosemary in the garden, it pairs beautifully with this dish.

Check out a simple recipe here.

Main: Roast chicken

Nothing says comfort like a beautifully roasted chicken. 

Roasts are easy to prepare and impressive to serve. If you don’t already have a recipe of your own, try this simple version – and don’t forget the gravy! 

Tip: use some of the ingredients from your other dishes (garlic, rosemary, lemon) to roast the chook, and if there’s some leftover bread from your appetiser, you can use that to make homemade stuffing. 

 

Sides: Italian roast potatoes and pear, parmesan salad

• Italian roast potatoes: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these little beauties are the perfect side dish and can easily be made using pantry staples.

• Pear and parmesan salad: this light, fresh salad adds an elegant touch to the table. Toss rocket with sliced pear, shaved parmesan, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Want to mix it up? Swap the parmesan for blue cheese or add walnuts for some extra crunch.
  

Tip: If you want a little more variety without spending much, honey-roasted carrots are super simple and budget-friendly. All you need are a few carrots, honey, and a little butter.

 

Dessert: Easy chocolate truffles

End the night on a high with some decadent chocolate truffles.

With just a few simple ingredients, they are delicious, impressive and shockingly easy to make. 

Tip: these can be prepared a day or two in advance, giving you more time to spend with your guests on the night!

 

Shopping list

At the time of writing, the ingredients* listed below were available for purchase at New Zealand supermarkets for under $70. If you already have items like garlic, rosemary, onion, lemons, butter, or honey, it will bring the cost down even further!

1 x Brie or other preferred cheese for baking
1 x French bread stick
Fresh rosemary
Honey
1 x large chicken for roasting
1 x onion
1 x Italian herb mix (Greggs or Masterfoods)
2 x lemons
1 x head of garlic
1kg potatoes
1 x bag of rocket or salad leaves
1 x pear
1 x bag of shaved parmesan or block if you prefer
1 x 500ml bottle of cream
1 x packet of dark chocolate melts
1 x block of butter
1 x bag of icing sugar

*Basic pantry items like olive oil, salt, and pepper not included. 

Extra tips for hosting on a budget

Make it a potluck
If you're on a tighter budget, why not host a potluck? You cook the main course, and your guests bring the sides or dessert. Easy.

Set a theme
A theme always makes things more fun! Whether it’s Italian, Mexican, or a DIY pizza night, it’s an easy way to bring everything together.

DIY drinks
Encourage guests to bring their favourite drink to share. This takes the pressure off providing alcohol and can make for a fun “drink tasting” activity!

 

Gas-powered cooking: the secret to effortless entertaining

One of the best things about cooking with gas is the precise control you have over the heat. Whether you’re whipping up the gravy, flipping a sausage or searing a steak, gas gives you the flexibility to cook with confidence. Plus, if you’re grilling on a natural gas-powered BBQ, you’ll never run out of gas mid-party!