Socializing and staying on a budget

(UNDATED) - Do you want to go out without breaking the bank? You can still socialize with friends or go out on a date and stay on budget.

Expensive nights out can be a real budget buster and in this recession it's getting harder for more of us to afford high-end hooplas. But that doesn't mean there's less socializing going on there's a change in attitude of what constitutes fun.

A trend that gives 'cheap thrill' a whole new meaning reeling from the recession but still want to get together with friends? These days, it's chic to be cheap.

Ryan Wilson knows about affordable entertainment. He hosts get-togethers once a month in his home for friends-- and friends' of friends. He calls them 'salons'--based on the gatherings of 100 years ago.

"The salon is free so it's easy to show up to. You know, you're not paying ten bucks to get in and another five bucks for a beer. You just show up," said Wilson.

Everyone contributes to the food. He hosts different speakers, or gets people in the group to talk on different topics. But he also has other money-saving socializing soirees

"One of my favorite things to do, supper club. Folks within a four, five, six block radius and every month we alternate whose house the supper club is located at. So, when you're cooking at home you're cooking for friends, you spend an entire night hanging out. You're able to potentially save money at that scale," said Wilson.

These kinds of events are growing around the country. Some refer to them as recession parties and a quick search on the web shows various menus and suggestions if you'd like to host one.

The ideas are endless.The budget-conscious alternatives are a fun option that won't have you feeling left out if you can't dole out cash for a pricey party.

The sociologist we spoke with says this is also a great way to make people feel connected again in a time when the most connecting we're doing is rarely face to face, but over the computer or cell phone