The easiest way to save money on food is to forgo a sit-down dinner or huge buffet. While everyone else hosts cocktail parties, have coffee and dessert instead. Set up a coffee bar to accompany an assortment of cakes, cookies and other decadent treats.For the coffee bar, start with freshly brewed coffee (regular and decaf). You might also add hot chocolate for non-coffee drinkers. Then, supply a selection of flavored creamers and liqueurs to encourage creative mixing.