IN Save money by entertaining at your place this festive season

THE FESTIVE season is already in many’s sights, but people often forget how costly this holiday period can be.

It may, therefore, be wise to take up the cocooning habit and consider a “no-spend” November in which they enjoy a quiet month at home instead of going out on expensive weekend adventures.

“There are plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend without needing to step out of your front door. That’s why it’s so important to find a property that you love spending time in,” says regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.

Re/Max suggests some cost-effective ways for people to entertain at home:

Host bring-and-braais: South Africans’ favourite pastime also happens to be one of the most affordable ways of entertaining. During November, the weather could not be more perfect for an outdoor gathering.

“Invite friends over for a bringand-braai’. The only thing you’ll need to provide is the fire, some cutlery, and the gees .

“If you don’t have any outdoor space, fry some boerewors on your stove, buy some rolls, switch on the rugby and host an indoor braai.”

Throw a blind tasting party: Another way to lure people to your place is to invite them to a blind wine-tasting. In this case, the only things you’ll need to supply are the wine glasses.

Each guest is invited to bring their own bottle of wine which they hand to you upon arrival.

As the host, you cover the labels of the bottles and fill everyone’s glasses with mystery wine.

“Guests then rate each bottle and

try to guess the cultivar.

“At the end of the night, the labels are revealed and the ratings are tallied to reveal which bottle was the crowd favourite.”

Chocolate or cheese fondue nights:

While it’s not the social norm to ask your friends to bring ingredients for a meal you will share together, it is widely acceptable to ask them to bring their favourite dunking treat for a chocolate or cheese fondue.

All you will need to supply is a fondue set, some chocolate or cheese, and a splash of milk.

For homeowners who cannot stand the idea of spending a month in their current home, Goslett says it might be time to consider what else is out there.

“Given a different home more to your liking, you might find the idea more appealing,” he says.

PICTURE: ANGELA PHAM DUNKING DELIGHTS Hosting a fondue party is an affordable way to entertain at home. |