What Summer is fun without a BBQ.. or several BBQ's over at our house! I love to barbecue and enjoy spending time with my family & friends cooking out, having fun with the kids (here's 10 great frugal fun summer activities for kids!), cooling off in the pool (and here's 5 frugal tips for family fun this summer, too), and just enjoying time together. Barbecues are great, but like many other things can become quite expensive. Below you will find a few frugal ways to save while doing a BBQ this Summer!
Stock up on Charcoal
I have posted several Charcoal deals here on my blog, with my favorite being the ones at Lowe's and Home Depot. Recently they sold 2 13lb bags at The Home Depot for only $7 and some change.. that's VERY cheap! Most Charcoal Deals happen in August and March from my experience – but be on the look out for clearance deals at stores like CVS, coupons, and other ways to stock up and save. Charcoal doesn't have an expiration so stock up for next year if you can!
BYOM
A spin on BYOB (Bring your own Beer). 
If you're hosting a Summer BBQ for friend's and other guests, make sure that they know this get together is a: Bring Your Own Meat BBQ! Having your guests bring their own meats (or sides too!) will help eliminate the costs on you as the host. Plus, not everyone eats the same food! Having your friends bring their own beef, chicken, pork, etc will create a good variety where there will be something for everyone!
Cook Ahead
Being that you’re burning charcoal or using your propane anyway, you might as well cook enough food to have leftovers rather than just barbecue some and then call it a night. Cook up extra food to have for dinner or lunch tomorrow and save.
Forget paper, Go plastic
If you host several barbecue's over the Summer then I suggest cutting out items like Paper Plates and Cups and switching over to Plastic. Invest in some plastic plates & cups! I buy the plastic egg shaped plates after Easter, or heart shaped plates after Valentine's Day, etc to save the most money. Plastic Plates and Cups can be reused and not thrown away thus eliminating your need to keep buying paper products. Save money and help save the environment too.
Purchase "Off-Season"
Between November and March is the best time to purchase BBQ Equipment (Grills, etc) and Charcoal. During the Winter and early spring month's Summer time items typically go on sale at your local retail stores. This can apply to other things you may need for the summer too: Swim Suits, Pools, Pool Toys, Other Toys, and more. Make your purchases off-season to save the most money in the long run.
Bring out the Carbs!
Bring out your carb rich foods first, like Potato Salad. Fill your guests up with Carb Rich options and then cut back on how much meat you actually need to cook! 
Use Coupons & Utilize Sales
Grocery Stores have great sales during the summer on foods & beverages that you will need during your BBQ this Summer. Make sure that you clip coupons frequently and watch the sales at your local stores. Here is 10 easy ways to save on Groceries to help you get started!
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