Ready to celebrate Easter with family and friends, but worried about the budget?

News 12 has some tips to help you create a holiday lunch or dinner on a budget:

A budget will help you get ready. Consider how many guests you will have and how much food you will need. Keep the meal simple, that way you’ll save time preparing it as well as save money.

What better way to save than to have everyone share their favorite plates? Does someone in your family or friend group make a delicious dessert or the perfect roast? Have them bring it to dinner. What about alcohol? Ask guests to bring their own favorite wine.

Make your grocery list early - cooking can get pricey, especially this year with high grocery prices in essentials like eggs.

Go through the circulars of your local grocery stores to find coupons and deals on things you’ll need. Try getting the nonperishable items early when they’re on sale.

Find coupon apps that can help you save money on groceries. Some apps will let you get money back on purchases you already made, by entering your receipts after you return from shopping. Here’s a list of some great apps.

If you have time, there are plenty of dishes you can make a few days ahead, and you will not have to buy. Bread, pies, cookies are just a few examples.

Decorations don't have to cost a lot of money, and you can make them yourself! Go simple for decorations.

You can also find inexpensive decorations at dollar stores and craft stores. Ask your friends if they have decorations from years' past. Or check your local freecycle Facebook groups.

Get paper plates and plastic utensils from big box stores like BJs or Costco at a lower price. Or, if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, ask friends and family to borrow extra plates, platters, utensils and cups.

Need a tablecloth? Check out a fabric store, where you can get fabric that will match your style or occasion. Or get a paper tablecloth roll, give the kids (and kids at heart) some crayons - it will keep them entertained during dinner, and they will create the perfect dinner art.

Looking for another zero-waste option for your table? Use cloth napkins. You can wash them and reuse again!