It's no secret that friends and significant others don't always mesh well together. It's hard enough finding a guy/girl that's is exactly what you want, but finding one that your friends like too, its nearly impossible! But everyone you look, its couples; everyone is a pair these days. Finding that balance between friends and boyfriends/girlfriends is never easy. This month, try throwing a couples dinner party, to ensure that you get some qt time with both your friends and your special someone.  

INVITATIONS ONLY

It's important that your dinner party appeal to both girls and guys. You may want to stray away from anything too girly, and send invites that will make both your girls and their boyfriends want to take part in your dinner party. I found these great invitations on paperstyle.com (my absolute favorite web site for finding fun and creative invites). Prices range from $14.50 per pack of ten and upward, depending on what personalized additions you make on the invite. Delivery is quick and easy.

As always, if you're feeling crafty, consider making your own, or if you're lacking in the artistic department as I am, and you're looking to save a few bucks, try these great invites at evite.com. Decorate your own with personalized colors and fonts. There are tons to choose from. Check out Evite.com for a wide range of party invite, they've got some great dinner party options!

(Invite and photo from Paper Style)

SWEET SLURPS

Trying to find a drink that appeals to everyone isn't always easy, especially when you're entertaining for girls and guys. Consider a tasty "Root Beer Float" for the main sip at your dinner party. I know what you're thinking, root beer float?! How childish, but this root beer float will surely add a bit of spice to your bash. It's tasty in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. 

Mix It Up: 

1/2 oz vodka

1/2 oz Galliano

1/2 oz light cream

4 oz Coca-Cola

1 1/2 oz whipped cream 

Yumsugar.com suggests adding whipped cream to the top to add an extra flavor. Try this new rendition of the root beer float. Not a drinker, or underage? Don't fret! The root beer float can obviously be served in its traditional form and be JUST as tasty! Notice that the alcoholic recipe calls for Coke instead of root beer, if serving non-alcoholic version, consider using root beer instead. 

If you're looking to save money and have a lot of guests coming to your couples dinner party, consider sticking to more traditional sips, such as beer in bulk, soda and juices.  

(Recipe and photo from Yum Sugar. Drink recipe originally found on Drinkswap.com

EASY EATS

Considering that your party is a couple's DINNER party, you want to really make sure that you dazzle your guest with some fabulous food options. For an appetizer, try serving simple and affordable treats like cheese squares and crackers. Consider pairing this with some delicate red wine. Tip: To save money, buy boxed wine, and serve it in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Your guests will never know you skimped on price, and will be impressed with your sophisticated choice in food in drinks. 

Try something simple and easy to bake in bulk for your main meal. For those of you cooking from a dorm or small apartment, don't worry: there are plenty of fabulous meals easily made in bulk. Consider making baked ziti. It is super easy to put together and the materials can be purchased for under $10.  Ingredients include your choice of ziti, sauce (if you're looking to save on time and money consider buying a large jar of Ragu) ground beef, and cheese. After cooking ziti on stove, bake with all ingredients for approximately 15 minutes at 400 degrees Farenheit. More recipes available on cooks.com

If you've got the time, and the cash to splurge a bit, try these great Tortilla pizza's with Feta cheese! The recipe below is via the foodnetwork.com 

Tortilla Pizzas with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, and Olives  

4 (8inch) flour (wheat) tortillas  

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

The toppings:  

4 plum tomatoes, finely diced  

12 black olives (such as Kalamata or oilcured olives) pitted and halved  

1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced paper thin  

1/2 cup thin slivers red onion  

4 teaspoons finely chopped oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried oregano  

Generous seasoning freshly ground black pepper  

3 tablespoons fruity olive oil  

8 ounces (1 1/2 cups) finely crumbled feta cheese 

I tried making these myself and they are fabulous! Cook for about 10 minutes. Preparation isn't exactly time efficient, so if you're considering making you're own, allot yourself plenty of time to put everything together! 

DAZZLING DECOR

As always, think simplistic. You're entertaining both girls and guys at your dinner party so try to stray away from anything too girly or manly. Try to stay as neutral as possible. Serve your root beer floats and wine in elegant yet affordable glasses. Check out customglassware.com. for a wide variety of choices, all at an affordable price, with certain picks for only $1.85 each.

If you decide to set up a formal dinner table, try adding a small flower display to add a little bit of character to your dining area, but not too much because you don't want your male guest to feel like they're at a girl's only cocktail party!

Realsimple.com has some great affordable party decorating ideas. For example, placing your flower display in toothbrush containers to save on the cost of buying a vase. I'll admit, these are a little on the girly side, but the point here is to bring your guests together. So why not make it look good in the process!

(Photo & decoration from Real Simple)  

JUST FOR FUN

Now that you've got your drink, food, and decorations set, it's time to sit back and relax with your pals. It may sound cheesy, but games like Taboo and Scene it is great way to get everyone to open up. By the end of the night you're guests will full of good food, good drinks, and will hopefully get along quite nicely!