Entertaining in your home, holiday get-togethers and family birthday parties can be a challenge to both your creativity and pocketbook!

Steve Wenger, CEO of Duvall Catering and Events, Charleston's long-standing, premier caterer, offers several tips.

Write down your guest list and think about your friend's and families' likes and dislikes. Look for commonalities and find something that all your guests would find enjoyable.

"A party that's fun and creative can be more memorable than one that's high style. For example, buy ground beef and an assortment of add-ins, toppings and rolls. Have people create their own, made-to-order hamburger masterpiece!"

Another idea is to check out stores like Costco and Sams Club. These warehouse retailers have a huge array of well-prepared dishes that feed large groups, make a great impression and don't cost a lot.

A good example would be pre-sliced smoked salmon. Just add cream cheese, onions, capers, and lemon wedges for an elegant presentation. These packaged foods also save considerable preparation time, so you're not exhausted when your guests arrive.

Candice Braddock, event designer for Yoj Events, suggests treating your china cabinet as a rental company. "Rediscover what you already own. We all have glassware, china, service pieces and knickknacks that can be mixed with current color schemes for a great table setting. Pull out those old serving platters and candlesticks for your next party. To look like a pro, create height on your table by turning a serving bowl upside down and putting a platter on top," she said. For bigger parties, don't be afraid to move furniture around.

Remove cocktail tables that get in the way of people trying to mix and mingle. Find a narrow table, or even a bookcase, and use it in your living room to hold food and drinks. Another tip if you are working with a color scheme is to move your pictures around. You may have a great picture on your bedroom wall that fits your color scheme and would complete your dining room's party look.

The Center for Women will be presenting "Entertaining on a Dime" as part of their East Cooper Series on Wednesday, March 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. Registration is $20 and includes savories and sweets. To register, go to www.c4women.org.

(Ginger Rosenberg is the marketing coordinator at the Center for Women a local, nonprofit organization whose mission is to help women succeed personally and professionally.)