SOCIAL gatherings are limited to six people from Monday – but that’s no barrier to having a good time.
You certainly don’t need a big bash with loads of pals to enjoy a special and savvy soiree.
Here are my favourite ways to relish the joy of six . . .
DINNER: Meal deal combos can save dosh and effort when prepping an evening treat.
I love the £10 Tesco Finest Meal Deal – one main, a drink, one side and one pudding for £10. Each deal serves two – so you can mix and match or all enjoy the same meal for £30.
Top choices include Tesco Finest Ranch Steaks With Garlic Butter, usually £6 for two, Chilean Merlot, usually £7, Tesco Finest Chunky Chips, usually £2.60, and Double Chocolate Profiteroles, usually £3 – adding up to £18.60.
Working out at £5 per person, this cost isn’t bad for an evening treat, with drink — and no cooking stress or extra washing up.
SAVING: £8.60 on the above, per two people (£25.80 saving on six people)
DRINKS: Free flowing bubbles need not be limited, even if the number of guests is.
Save at least 25 per cent when buying six or more bottles of wine or prosecco at Majestic Wines.
I love the Aqualta Prosecco Frizzante Treviso DOC, usually £5.99 a bottle – but nab six and you save £12 (total cost £35.94).
SAVING: £12
FILM: Mymoneypocket.co.uk experts have great group saving tips for movie nights out.
They say: “You have a couple of options when it comes to saving money on a group of six going to the cinema. If heading to your local picturehouse, book on a day which has 2-for-1 deals to pay for just three of you.
“Or, avid movie-goers can get a membership. Mymoneypocket.co.uk are offering £8 cashback on memberships for Odeon Limitless (usually £17.99 per month).”
GAMES: With darker nights looming, staying in is ideal. If you’ve run out of box sets, why not go back to basics and enjoy a board game?
There are plenty of six-player options available at bargain prices on sites such as eBay. I found snakes and ladders for £5.99 (£12.99 at John Lewis) and, my favourite, Cluedo for £6.50 (£20 at Argos).
Mix with glasses of fizz and have a great night in.
Deal of the day
ALDI has re-launched its heated clothes airer.
Now available in stores for £28.99 – great for the colder weather.
Cheap treat
ICELAND’s 50th year will see new products like a limited edition Biscoff-flavour £1.50 caramel biscuit cheesecake.