Practically Posh is the new black

So read last week that "frugal" is the new black, what brilliant timing for Practically Posh! I'm living in the Hamptons this summer hosting a show, and "coincidentally" friends and family are CRAWLING out of the woodwork wanting to catch up with me this summer. I wonder if I was living in Newark, New Jersey this summer, if I'd be as missed?

Anyway, since I have an influx of guests and not too much money which doesn't quite couple well with the SUPER expensive Hamptons (I paid $10 for a smoothie the other day!!!!) I have come up with "practically posh" ways to save on entertaining and shop this summer.

Have any suggestions on how to host on the cheap, let me know!!

Robyn

xxxxooo

Host a Tasting Party- More posh than a cooking club, and more fun than a book club, holding a tasting party is an affordable way to learn about food and wine. From high-end tequilas to artisanal cheeses, have guests pitch in and bring items, download info from the internet, and learn to discern the nuances of a 100% Blue Agave tequila, or compare the differences between English and Vermont Cheddar.

Make it a daytime affair. Hankering to try out the new hot spot, but hesitant to drop a lot of cash? Trade in a Saturday night for a Sunday afternoon and enjoy a brunch instead. Many brunch places offer a deal that includes Bloody Marys or mimosas; so you can still have fun and check out the cool environments, but at a fraction of the cost.

Game on. Beat the heat, and tame your budget by staying in this Friday night with family and friends and let the games begin! Old school games are always fun, so you can dust off your scrabble and monopoly sets, make some popcorn, and indulge in some old-fashioned fun.

"Multi-player" games are also incredibly popular, so show off your deft strumming skills and jam out with "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero III." And if you're a big fan of American Idol and High School Musical, belt out some tunes with karaoke games like "SingStar Pop" or have dance off with "Dance Dance Revolution".

Discover our own back yard. Instead of hopping in car for a weekend away, strap on your walking shoes or hop on your bike and discover neighborhoods in your own city. From architecture tours to scenic bike routes, many cities offer free excursions that allow to affordably explore your town and get some exercise in the meantime. If you prefer to stay away from groups, you can also download maps, and forge your own trail.

Clothing Swap Parties
Before you log on to e-Bay to sell that skirt you meant to return but didn't or that sample sale score you have yet to wear, try swapping out your booty with your girlfriend. Every girl has a bag of unwanted clothes sitting in her closet, so invite your stylish lady friends and their pile of goods over, open up a bottle of wine, and let the auction begin!

Shop your closet
I once house sat for a co-worker, and decided one of the perks of the job was to raid her closet. I chose a BCBG leopard print dress paired with a turquoise Juicy Couture cardigan: sexy yet sweet. My outfit was a hit at work, and when my friend returned I 'fessed up to what I had borrowed. "Interesting",  she said. "I haven't won that dress in ages, and I never would have put those two together." She began to reappraise that outfit, and her own wardrobe altogether, and our game of "Shop your closet" was born. Have a friend whose style you admire come over one night and help pick out outfits from your closets.

You'll discover with some updated accessories–you can get a great second life out of your wardrobe.

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