Pine Apples

In this recession, Americans are always looking for ways to cut corners, however they can. Most families are going through their budgets line by line with a red pen, looking for ways to trim the fat. The hardest part about this exercise in austerity is that, in general, middle class Americans have gotten used to certain creature comforts and what elsewhere in the world would be considered luxuries. The average family, even as it is getting kicked out of their home due to a defaulted mortgage, still find it essential to have two cars, six different pairs of blue jeans, and a cell phone that has a camera attached to it.

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By having more family gatherings you will be surprised how close a family can become. Don't wait till the major holidays, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and others to have a barbeque or have a great family sit down dinner.

Take some time in your busy schedule to plan a dinner with the family at least every month or every other month. If you don't want to make a dinner, then have everyone bring something for pot luck. By planning by themes you can designate somewhat, what they are to bring. For example if you want a Hawaiian themed dinner with barbequed chicken and pineapples. Tell some of the family to bring some décor, that you can set out, such as leis and maybe a tiki torch.

Pine Apples

Don't be afraid to ask other members to bring items. You will be surprised how most are more than welcomed. By spreading the cost, it makes it more fun and then you are not caught holding the buying bill!

Planning ahead for a family dinner can also save you time later and money. If you purchase items that are on coupon for your dinner then you will find you are saving more. An easy method you can use to plan ahead is making a list, first start with a theme. Write this list on the top of a page. Then from your list you then can write down what you wish to serve. Then from your list you can take items of what you want to serve and give them to other family members, then from that you are left with what you will serve.

Using this method will cut down on your lengthy grocery list. You will find this method works for all holidays as well. A little bit of planning will save fuss in the end!

Family Gatherings Make Them More Often

Author is Michele Rogers, owner of http://www.lilyputtshomedecor.com Lilyputts Home Decor, and http://www.backyardfancy.com Backyard Fancy. Both online stores feature home and back yard decor and both have blogs where you can read tips on decor and view featured items. Please visit Backyard Fancy and Lilyputts Home Decor for descriptions and product presentations. Please, keep intact all author information.

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