Dining out is a fun, relaxing, social event we all look forward to. It might also be something many of us have given up in an effort to hang on to a few more of our hard earned dollars. However, just because we’ve chosen to eat out less often, doesn’t mean that we have to do without the fun, relaxing and socializing parts of dining. It’s simply an opportunity to find ways to bring the dining out experience into our meals at home. (That doesn’t mean you have to spend all day cooking exact replicas of the dishes prepared by your favorite chef. Unless of course that’s your idea of a great time.)

First, think about what it is that you like most about your favorite restaurant. Is it the ambiance or specific dishes? Exploring new cuisine? Socializing with friends? Whatever it is, there are probably ways to reproduce your experience at home without going over the top.

If the reason you like to go out to dinner is because of the ambiance in your favorite restaurant, look for creative ways to duplicate it. Use your nice dinnerware. (You know, that china set you inherited, but only use on holidays.) How about adding a tablecloth and maybe even some cloth napkins? There are many stylish choices that are as easy to care for as your favorite T-shirt. Eating by candlelight can help you focus on the table, food and company rather than all of the other distractions at home.

Maybe the reason you like to go out is to try new cuisine or add variety to your palate. If diversity is what you crave, then the key is to break out of that dinner menu rut we all fall into. There are quick and easy recipes for even entry-level cooks in any cuisine. Pick a new theme every month—Indian, Italian or Greek—whatever you’d like to try and select the menu, décor and dinner music accordingly.

But what if the reason you go out is so you don’t have to cook? Maybe you hate cooking because your appliances are old or difficult to use. An equipment upgrade (like an Amana® Clever Combo range and over-the-range microwave) can change your whole attitude about cooking. And if you’re eating out less an upgrade really can be budget neutral. Getting everyone in the household involved can change your outlook too. The prep work and cooking are much more fun when you do it together. If you still really hate to cook, invite friends over who love it. Share the cost of ingredients and offer up your kitchen for assembly and cooking. You get out of doing the cooking and get to spend time socializing with friends all in one evening.

So you see, affordable style isn’t only about paint colors and accessories or even making a bar cart from a changing table. Sometimes it’s more about your style of living and ways to make it work better for you. Going out might be the automatic response to your need for added spice in your dinner menu, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the only or even the best option. A little creative planning might be just the ticket to kick it up a notch.