Hosting A Party on a Budget

You’ve got a fun party planned and you’ve created a budget and prioritized what you’re providing. There’s still plenty of small things that can add up as your party gets closer. There are some things worth spending money on. And for those things, you don’t have to spend a week’s paycheck to make the memories count. Follow some simple tips and you’ll be the most festive for the lowest price!

Guests & Invites

Invite close friends or family for a casual dinner, don’t go over the top. This way you’ll actually socialize and get to know each other better. Forget the fancy invitations – email an evite or use social media platform to create an event and get the word out that way! Virtual invitations can be crazy cute and free!

Shop Sales

Grocery stores will often have sales leading up to a holiday. In November, turkeys go on sale. In April, ham tends to be discounted. Try planning your menu around what is on sale. Stock up on these things. But also don’t feel obligated to serve meat – you can easily serve pasta or eggs. They are both easily dressed up and can be simple to use. Don’t be afraid to plan ahead for next year by shopping the after holiday sales for décor!

Potluck Style

Ask family and friends to bring sides and be specific – a potato-based side, a fruit salad, a cake dessert, etc. Be sure to also include the amount of people it needs to feed. The more food that is brought, the less stress is placed upon the hosts. Often, you can ask for someone to come early with appetizers and then your only job is drinks and the main course. Delegate wisely. Set up a drink cart so guests can help themselves and free up your time. If you choose to have alcohol, you can suggest on the invitation that people BYOB.

Use What You Have

Using traditional and passed down heirlooms allows us to feel a sense of home. Also, flatware and silverware cuts down on the expense of paper plates, which cheapens the event. If you use mismatched china it adds to the charm of your occasion. Shop with intent and buy things that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, buying red themed décor can be used in both February (Valentine’s Day) and December (Christmas). Neutrals can be used year round with pops of color. Accenting key places that are in high-traffic areas guarantee high impact! Decorating the dessert table, drink bar, and entry way will set the stage. Make your own focal point with string lights to add mood lighting! Decorate with neutral elements to keep it simple. Look around your home and see what could be repurposed.

With proper preparation, your celebration will run itself while you can relax and enjoy your guests, knowing that you stuck to your budget! True hospitality isn’t about how much money or time you spent setting up. It’s about making memories together.