Entertainment

For many people, staying in is the new going out – and if you feel the need to hit the bright lights every now and then, try these ideas for cutting costs while you have a great time.

Staying in

• Dinner parties have taken over from restaurant meals. Hopeless cook? Bribe your mum/sister/best friend by offering to swap a skill – for example, baby-sit or do the gardening.
• Spread the expense by getting each guest or group of guests to bring a course or some wine. As the host, you need to co-ordinate the meal, or you could end up clashing Chinese, Indian and Italian.
• A tea party will take you straight back to childhood and is a comforting treat, as well as being less expensive than a three course meal. Crumpets, scones, a sponge cake and some home-made biscuits (you can cheat with bought cookie dough) will have everyone smiling.
• Swap DVDs with friends and family instead of going to the cinema. You can make your own popcorn and pick up the drinks from the supermarket.
• Join the local library rather than buying books before you know whether you love them – then pick up the ones you really must have second hand. Many libraries also lend CDs and DVDs.
• Join a book club and take turns to host discussion evenings. Knitting and sewing groups are also becoming popular – you can make your Christmas and birthday gifts while you chat.
• Karaoke really can be fun – someone you know will have a machine. Just make sure you invite the neighbours and do not go on too late.
• If you need to entertain lots of people, have a buffet at home rather than hiring a venue. Many supermarkets sell party food if you cannot manage the catering.

Going out

• Check the Internet and local media for money-off vouchers – there are loads of two-for-one deals at restaurants.
• Eat early – many restaurants offer great value set meals before 7pm.
• Look for deals that include a glass of wine each, or order house wine, and ask for a jug of tap water too – it should be free. Or choose a restaurant that allows you to bring your own drinks.
• Many restaurants offer free meals for children when adults are eating.
• Take advantage of the park or beach and hold a BBQ or picnic. Do be sure to clear up your mess and do not damage the grass.
• If you are a film buff, buy a season ticket to the cinema – if you go twice a week, it can cost as little as £1 per visit.
• Many clubs offer free or cut price admission if you arrive early, especially on weekdays.
• Cutting back on drink is a sure-fire way to save money – and it is better for your health. Try to stick to the recommended number of units in an evening and alternate alcohol with water – many bars will give you tap water free or at a nominal charge. Check out www.drinkaware.co.uk.
• Major concert tours are horrifyingly expensive but you could catch the next upcoming superstar at your local club or bar for the price of a drink – check local media and notice boards to find out who’s on where.
• Matinees are usually cheaper than evening performances at the theatre. If you’re a buff, become a friend of your local theatre and you’ll get money off tickets and special offers.
• Many museums are free, while major attractions often offer discounts to local residents. Check your local council’s website and local visitor guides to see what is available in your area.
• Many museums also have hands-on attractions for children and offer free special events for children during holidays and half-terms.
• Children travel free or at a heavy discount on transport in London when accompanying a fare-paying adult or when using an Oyster photocard. Older students have similar deals. Check your local authority for travel discounts in your area. Apply for Oyster photocards at https://photocard.tfl.gov.uk/tfl

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