Forgo the standard soft drinks offered to keep your party budget in check.
If you're hosting any summer parties for larger groups, consider swappping out the assorted soft drinks for a more economical option that is equally simple to offer. Rather than filling a huge cooler with ice to chill individual cans of soda or leaving out 2 liter bottles of pop to gradually heat up and explode, it's a great idea to offer lemonade, iced water and iced tea. All three of these beverages can be made ahead of time, put into the large dispensing coolers filled with ice (like the ones NFL teams use) and set out for the guests to serve themselves.
You can rent these large coolers at your local rental center, or you may wish to consider purchasing 2 or 3 of the coolers at Walmart, Target or your local sports store.
