Menu planning for this week was especially difficult, because we’re hosting my husband’s parents for 4 days. We’re cooking for two extra people, and we wanted our meals to be special. We also wanted to stay as close to our budget as possible.

We didn’t do too badly. Our total for the week (including meals after Tony’s parents leave on Wednesday) was $65. That’s only $10-$15 more than our normal grocery costs.

Here’s our menu plan for frugal entertaining:

Saturday: Restaurant (Tony’s parents insist on treating us to a meal out. We told them it’s not necessary, but you know how parents are. :) )
Sunday: Spinach and cheese lasagna
Monday: Steaks, baked potatoes, and creamed spinach
Tuesday: Homemade pizza
Wednesday: Whole wheat pasta with marinara
Thursday: Quesadillas and refried beans
Friday: Homemade pizza (twice in one week!)

Now I’m off to entertain our guests! For more menu plan ideas, check out OrgJunkie.