I hope your 4^th of July celebrations are fun-filled and safe for all of your family and friends!

It is a holiday of celebration. We have the day off to enjoy a summer day with family, friends, and a good old-fashioned cookout. All of the day’s festivities are capped off after dark by wondrous displays of bright, colorful flashes, and loud explosions. While this is a wonderful sight to see, fireworks can blow a hole in your wallet if you are not careful.

Here are a few quick tips for buying holiday fireworks and celebrating without breaking your budget.

Community Displays

Many communities offer free firework displays leading up to the 4^th of July or in the days following. Packing a picnic basket and a cozy blanket is a wonderful way to experience some family fun for free. If a donation bucket does manage to float around in support of the fireworks, do donate what you can to help keep the fireworks free for all for year’s to come. Times are getting tight all over and your community is no exception.

Avoid the Novelties

Many times during a community fireworks program there will be vendors hawking glow sticks and other novelty toys for sale. Do your best to avoid them at all cost and provide children with other things to occupy their interest or you’ll face shelling out quite a few bucks for junk. You can usually find similar items at a local dollar store. Pick up a few things to keep the kids happy and save yourself a lot of hassles.

Buy Fireworks After the 4^th of July

Like with many holidays, you typically get the best deals after the holiday is over. Purchasing your supply of fireworks on the 5^th can save you big discounts, like half-price or more. It is a great time to stock up for next year, provided you store them properly.

 Make Every Effort to Be Safe

While fun of the holiday is all well and good, it remains most critical that everyone obeys the directions and rules for handling fireworks. In addition to the rule, a bit of common sense will help you save a lot money by helping to prevent any accidents, injuries, and potentially fatalities from occurring during what should be a great family fun time.

 Have a happy holiday and a great weekend!

Quick Tips for Less Expensive Fireworks was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Here are a few ways to save money while preparing for your next shindig.

Invitations and Decorations

• Instead of paying money for invitations, create them yourself by hand or on the computer or use discount party supplies.
• Check out decorations at discount stores where you can often find streamers, festive décor, balloons, and other party favors at clearance prices.
• Use natural items to make centerpieces or other decorations, such as fruit, fresh flowers from the garden, or other handcrafted pieces.

Frugal Food

• Make the party a pot-luck event. Have all of the guests bring a covered dish or desert.
• If you plan on providing all of the food, enlist the help of your family and friends to help you cook up a few dishes. It is a fun way to bond with your pals and relatives and get all of the work done faster.
• Bring your shopping list to a wholesale outlet and buy items in bulk that you can use after the party, such as paper plates, napkins, and other non-perishable items.
• Buy soda and other drinks in 2-liter bottles and provide ice. The bottles are much less expensive than canned or individually bottled items.

Location and Extras

• Holding your party outdoors, or at your own home will save a huge chunk of money. Depending on your guest list or the purpose of your party, you should be able to find a place that is either free or relatively inexpensive.
• If you are in need of extra tables and chairs, visit your local church, school, fire hall, or community organization who often will rent you some supplies for a small donation.
• If you need to rent other equipment for the party, make sure you shop around for prices and ask for referrals from people you know. You may be able to score discounts from referrals, especially if you book well in advance. Always look for discount party supplies, don’t pay full price.

Get-togethers can be a lot of fun and you don’t have to break the bank to host one. If you enjoy throwing parties, share some of the cost and responsibility with your friends by switching homes each time. When you shop at wholesale stores, make sure you stock up on supplies if you anticipate frequent gatherings.

The most important thing about planning a party is to have a good time and enjoy it. Write lists and make plans well in advance so on the day of your event, you won’t be stressed out and miss all of the fun.

Economical Party Preparations Made Easy was created by and is property of American Consumer News.