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Some recipes are easy to improvise, while others require an exact set of ingredients to turn out. But sometimes you don't have the funds to include that one ridiculously overpriced additive. Don't worry; we have the alternatives you're looking for.

By Jill Jaracz

Quick, which is the best deal on the menu: the roast chicken, the Caesar salad or the filet mignon? The answer might surprise you.

By Kim Williamson

If you think beans are just a side dish, you don't know beans! Try some of these ideas for incorporating nutritious, quick-fixing canned beans into everything from party dips to desserts.

By Heather Kolich

Has your kid uttered the immortal words, "Not baloney sandwiches again"? Well, what's a mom on a budget to do? Try one of these new school lunch ideas, of course!

By Caitlin Uttley

Casseroles serve crowds, cook inexpensively and clean up in a jiffy. But can you make budget casseroles without sacrificing flavor?

By Julia Layton

Whether you serve it on the cob or as part of a larger dish, corn is both cheap and delicious. It's no wonder that the tasty vegetable is so popular with budget-minded eaters who don't want to sacrifice flavor for cost!

By Alia Hoyt

Times are tough, but the party must go on. These ideas for economical party fare let the good times roll without sinking your budget.

By Heather Kolich

You love to entertain, but who has time for all that cooking, decorating and cleaning? Luckily, you can solve all those problems with one word: potluck.

By Linda C. Brinson

Do you have a bushel of banana peppers from your garden, and nothing to do with them? Never fear. We have ways to use them all.

By Debra Ronca & Shaun Chavis

Anyone can host guests for a meal and have an enjoyable time. Come up with a theme, call it a dinner party and viola; you're a hit. Here are 10 ideas to consider.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Dinner parties can be a fun way to show off your culinary chops, but don't exclude your guests from demonstrating their techniques. These cooking games will have you and your friends chopping, mixing and laughing in no time flat.

By Meghan E. Smith

Dinner parties are a time to gather friends for good conversation, food and wine. And no party would be complete without a killer table setting.

By Sara Elliott

Why not show just what a truly gracious host or hostess you are by presenting your dinner guests with a gift? Here are some fun suggestions your company will remember long after the meal.

By Stefani Newman

Who wants to throw a dinner party with the same old blase dishes? Spice up the night Italian-style with wine, pasta and cheese!

By Echo Surina

Bring your guests back to the happy days of the nifty '50s with all the boss food, drink, tunes and style that the decade has to offer. We'll show you how with these five tips.

By Laurie L. Dove

Are you looking for something simple and delicious to serve your guests before your dinner party kicks into high gear? We've got some easy appetizer ideas right here.

By Marie Willsey

The 1930s were a time of economic hardship for many, but that didn't stop the parties from taking place. Recreate a dinner from this era for your guests.

By Sara Elliott

Show off your culinary skills or celebrate favorite ingredients, vintages or brews by creating a tasting menu -- an epic meal made up of tiny tastes -- at home. We'll show you how.

By Laurie L. Dove

If you want to combine the fun of a dinner party with the frenzied culinary competition of "Iron Chef," why not throw a cooking party? If you don't know where to start, we'll show you how to pull it off.

By Stephanie Watson

Do you need to eat or prepare gluten-free meals? You can still enjoy entertaining when you follow our guidelines for good times without gluten.

By Maria Trimarchi

Progressive dinner parties are a fabulous way to entertain while sharing the responsibility of hosting a multi-course dinner across several households, which the guests mosey among. These tips will help make yours a success.

By Laurie L. Dove

Even if you're a die-hard meat eater, you can still host a delicious vegan dinner party. We'll show you how.

By Alison Kim Perry

If you've never been quite sure how to set or navigate a formal table, don't panic. We've got the mnemonic devices and explanations that'll have you covered.

By Laurie L. Dove

When it's summertime, you don't want your meals to sit too heavily. You want to cool down with something refreshing. Think outside the box (and the country) with 10 delicious international dishes.

By Christine Venzon

What happens when you look over the menu at a restaurant and aren't inspired? If you're in the know and have some finesse, you might be able to grab a special request from the chef.

By Heather Kolich