¡°The biggest thing to do when you're preparing your meal plan your menu is to shop the sales and plan your menu 8accordingly.¡±

Jessica Allen from the website Living Well Spending Less has five tips to help you host several memorable cookouts this summer without 9breaking the bank. 

One, use what you have at home. Don't forget what you already have in your 10freezer, fridge and your 11pantry.

¡°You've already 12purchased those items. Don't let them 13go to waste. Get creative and create a spread with what you already have on hand.¡±

Two, keep your menu simple and set your 14budget before you head to the store. 

Three, 15buy in bulk and go 16generic when it comes to drinks and chips, buying in bulk can reduce costs. 

Four, if you're planning to grill, think through different 17cuts of meat that stretch a little further, or go with chicken instead of beef. Chicken breast is down nearly 2% in price 18compared to last year. 

And five, get creative and go for a 19meatless meal altogether. There are 20plenty of recipes that use veggies or less expensive items.

¡°Get all of these colors in there. It makes your 21tablescape look beautiful. It's fresh, it's good for you, and it saves you a little money, too.¡±