The Budget Socialite | Living Richly on the CheapThe Budget Socialite

Summer Sparkle: The Drink Station!

Happy June, Socialites!

It’s time for outdoor entertaining, barbecues, elegant picnics, and all around summertime fab! And what’s a key facet of any gathering? The cocktails, of course! But alcohol can be pricey when serving a crowd. Want to take your event to the next level without spending a fortune?

::trumpet blare::

Socialites, I give you, The Drink Station!

It’s a must for all my events! Select two to three signature punches or pre-made cocktails and set up a self-serve station. Not only does it keep the booze budget down, but it leaves my time free to socialize, rather than standing by the bar with a martini shaker in hand, as I try to keep up with thirsty revelers.

Here’s how to set up an amazing drink station, laden with refreshing cocktails that are sure to impress your guests while freeing up your time and budget!

Assemble the essentials:

1. You’ll need a table suitable to the space that you can cover with a tablecloth and trust to hold two to three bowls, pitchers, or servers full of liquid. No cheapie folding tables on this one! The last thing a busy socialite needs is a crashing drink station. Oy!

2. Serveware: I love this glass drink server I found on clearance, off season, for all of $8. I use it year round for everything from fresh lemonade to Christmas punch! Hunt one down – you won’t regret it. Can’t score one? Pop into a home store, head to the chef’s section and find the biggest glass mixing bowl you can – use it as a basic punch bowl. Pick up a long handled soup ladle, et voilà! I’m also fond of colorful glass pitchers, often found at dollar stores and discount chains for super cheap! Get a few for an eclectic display!

3. Label your servers, pitchers, and punches. Give them event-related names: Pickled Picnic Punch, Saucy BBQ Sparkler, 4th of July Firecracker, etc… Add a couple loose flowers, candles, or other theme-related accents to the table. Make it fun!

4. Glassware: Set out a tray of pre-garnished glasses your guests will use to enjoy these libations. Tip: choose easy garnishes that will keep in your setting: sweet fruits may attract flies outside or shrivel and brown in indoor heat. I’m fond of gummy candies cut and hung on each glass, easy herbal garnishes like rosemary when they compliment, and muddled mint in the bottom of glasses.

5. Select varied recipes for your drinks. I like to serve one rum based cocktail, one vodka based cocktail, and one sparkling champagne based cocktail. Not everyone drinks everything, so plan according to your guestlist.

6. Choose your recipes wisely. Especially in summer, select refreshing and simple cocktails that you can make in batches without too much scaling headache. How many 2 oz shots of vodka are there in a pitcher? I haven’t a clue, darling, but do you really want to stand there with a jigger and find out? NO! A 750ml bottle of spirits starts my punch every time. Adjust and taste as you go.

7. Make everything in advance and put it in the refrigerator to get cold. You’ll see many recipes online that call for a block of ice in your server or punch bowl. NO NO NO! Know what ice becomes? Water. Who wants a watered down cocktail? Find space on the table for a covered ice bucket and tongs. If your guests want ice, they’ll add it. If they want water, ~~they’re at the wrong party~~ they’ll find that elsewhere…

It’s that simple! Your guests will arrive to find a swanky, self-service drink station and you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself, having saved a few dollars in the process. Everyone wins!

Got some serve-a-crowd-cocktail ideas of your own? Leave a comment and share! I’m all ears for a fellow Budget Socialite.

See you next month!

Contributor | Eva Said It
Eva is a mother, writer, entertaining doyenne, and snark expert based in New York City. Money can’t buy happiness, but it buys her lots of wine and stinky cheese…which is close enough. Catch more of her stiletto clad sarcasm at www.evasaidit.com.

06-11-13 {Style}

Fashion Find: Summer Romper

Summer, Summer, Summer Time! This weather makes for a great opportunity to shop for the perfect Summer Romper! Enter this amazing stand out piece of fashion history. This gorgeously floral Summer romper comes in at $50, but for a quality piece that no one else is going to own, she is definitely worth it!

Character Galore

The first thing I noticed about this Summer romper is the amount of character it has. And strangely enough I hear Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” playing in the back of my mind when I see it…but in a good way! That’s why we chose to pair it with a cute pair of nude color sunglasses from Asos as an ode to the song writing genius. Again, because the Summer romper has so much character, light accessories that are not over done is key, so a simple Navy sandal from UK based store, Pull and Bear and then topped with a cute nude bag from one of my fave shops, Zara completes the look. These uber chic earrings from Nordstrom , are a casual sophistication as well, which adds character in a subtle way, while providing a polished look along with this Anne Klein Watch.

A Summer romper can be worn so many different ways! Dressed up, dressed down, but it looks even better when you’re enjoying those summer nights. So Socialites, get out there and enjoy Summer! Until Next Time…Happy Findings!!!

How would you accessorize your Summer Romper? Let us know in the comments.

Contributor | Cadian Carter
As a lover of fashion, Blogger Cadian Carter got her first job working at indie fashion publication, V Magazine. Now she is a freelance writer helping women embrace their own personal style, one fashion find at a time.

06-06-13 {Commandments}

TBS Commandment #3: Thou shall be shameless

It’s not always easy being a budget socialite. There are so many things to do, places to be, and shoes to buy that things can get a tad bit overwhelming. But have no fear, fellow socialites! To make life a little easier, we’ve come up with the Budget Socialite Commandments. Use these guidelines to aid you on your fun, fabulous, and well-heeled journey. We wouldn’t steer you wrong. We have already covered important topics like seeking true love – when shopping and honoring quality over quantity. Now we bring you:

TBS Commandment #3: Thou shall be shameless

Long ago, in some far off land, it was decided that it was a sin to feel good about yourself, want nice things, treat yourself well, or ~~simply buy a lot of shoes~~ enjoy the hell out of yourself. These are things we have to earn or are proof that we are self-absorbed and not busy enough. We are supposed to be harried martyrs, rushing from one place to the other, forgetting the one person who will be there for you through thick and thin. Who is this person, you ask? You can find them in your nearest mirror (and they are looking amazing today, might I add). Now, before you say “Nah!”, and swat your hand at me. I’m going to tell you that it’s okay to be shameless (within reason). It’s even okay to be a little bit selfish (notice I said a little bit, there can be too much of good thing – unless it’s shoes or closet space). The reason I say this isn’t to ~~quell my guilt about my shoe collection~~ make you become a narcissist, but because if you don’t feel good about yourself and/or treat yourself well, no one else will. AND the better you treat yourself, the better you feel, the better you feel, the more you can do. The more you can do, the more you can do for others. See how what goes around comes around! Doing for you, ends up a truly altruistic affair, charitable even. How do you become more shameless? There are a few simple steps.

Accept a compliment, just by saying thank you. If you’re feeling a little saucy throw in an “I know” and a wink.
Own the things that you do and stop feeling guilty about them.
If you are good at something, toot your own horn, lest it remain untooted.
Change your mind? It’s your prerogative. Don’t be sorry but DO let those affected know within a reasonable of time.
Learn the elegance of slow and enjoy the simple moments of your life.

Whatcha waiting for?

While we are being shameless, we should also stop waiting to do the things that make us happy. Too often, I hear people waiting to live their lives. When I lose weight, I’ll _____. When I get a new job, I’ll _____. When insert clause here, I’ll begin really living my life. Don’t put your happiness on hold or wait for the perfect time. More often than not it never arrives and you’ve wasted a lot of time. Regrets don’t fill scrapbooks ladies!

I’m a firm believer that it’s the little things in life that end up really making your life, and if you wait for events or special occasions, you are missing out on the majority of it. I am not a fan of the china that only comes out for company, or the “living” room that no one can sit in. You are your best company and you deserve all the fine things everyday, especially if they are already sitting in your cupboard. Use real plates when ~~ordering Chinese~~ making simple meals at home. Have a glass of wine with your meal on a Tuesday. Book that vacation today! Don’t wait. Your life begins now. Enjoy it!

What do you think of our 3rd commandment: Thou shall be shameless? Are you ready to get off the shame train?

Co-founder | Trinidad Pena
Trinidad Pena is a blogger, foodie, and design superhero bent on helping others kick-ass online, world domination and convincing the world that wine belongs in the fruit food group since it’s made from grapes.