What do you need in the world other than food and friends? One keeps you alive and one makes life worth living. Add a colorful splash – preferably in the form of bright green peas, fiery red paprika, and still-falling-snowflake white whipped cream – and you will be on top of the world.

$30 Dinner Party is a Monthly Column that lays out a detailed 3-course meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) for a dinner party of four for under $30. With a detailed listing of ingredients (and their cost) and super easy recipes, along with budget wine pairings, you’ll never have to put off socializing due to budget restrictions again. Recession be damned!