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With help from Dallas catering expert Jim Lee this article spotlights 5 easy ways to keep the budget of your party low, and your enjoyment high.

1.)    Stop Using Beef Tenderloin
Replace the beef tenderloin with an inexpensive alternative; sirloin is a great substitute that can be just as tasty.  Present your sirloin with a Portobello demi glace or try serving a cabernet & garlic roasted beef brisket, either of these will leave your guests with a smile as well as a full stomach.

2.)    Do Not Under Staff Your Party
Just because you are throwing the party does not mean you should not enjoy the company of your guests. Staff may seem like a great area to save some money, but you will regret it when you are stuck talking to unprepared food and dirty dishes instead of your friends.

3.)    Serve Shrimp
Shrimp skewers with fondue-esque dipping sauces are making a comeback.  They allow you to prepare one dish that has several different flavors for guests to choose from.  Try Brazilian chile-rubbed shrimp skewers with a ginger-orange hot oil sauce.  A favorite from Jim Lee Events in Puerto Vallarta is a crispy bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese and flamed in Kahlua, serve with a rich white pepper dipping cream.

4.)   Do Not Stock a Full Bar
Serve a special drink along with beer and wine, this will make it easier for you to enjoy your party instead of getting stuck behind the bar for the night.  A great drink is the “Cosmojio” from Jim Lee’s Starlight Room, the ingredients for this drink are white rum, simple syrup, lime juice, and a single mint leaf for garnish all served in a martini glass.

5.)    Leave the Large Desserts Out
Large desserts are messy to eat and usually take longer to prepare, instead serve bite-size desserts.  Some examples of great bite-size desserts are key lime cheesecake bites or pistachio bailey’s white chocolate truffles, there are also many others.  As long as you have a variety of desserts, all of your guests will have something that they love.