5 Tips for Throwing a Holiday Party on a Budget

Have a budget in mind before going to the store

This is a good practice anytime you’re trying to save money, but especially helpful for shopping for a holiday party. If $100 is your limit, stick to it. Put the $100 in an envelope or your wallet, and only use that money for the party.

Host an h'orderve party without the cocktails

Instead of calling it a cocktail party, call it a Christmas Open House, or Christmas or Holiday Party--don’t give the expectation that cocktails will be served. Cocktails can be pretty expensive these days. So, can food, so serve light bites like sliders, and mini baked brie appetizers (check out Aldi for inexpensive appetizer recipes. You can still make drinking fun by serving holiday punch (Sandra Lee’s is a good one), homemade hot cocoa, mulled wine, or apple cider on the stove. You can also invite guests to bring a bottle of wine to share if you feel drinks will be missed. (Can you tell I love the Food Network?)

Buy pretty and cheap dishware

At the Dollar Tree, you will be pleasantly surprised at their glass and plastic dishware. Check out this beautiful gold-rimmed or holly berry dinnerware. Try red or clear plastic plates for easy clean up. They also have silver look utensils that are sturdy-enough for reuse. For other bargain finds, check out World Market, and Big Lots.

Make it Fun

Plan a craft activity for your guests--there are all kinds of fun mini craft or photo prop kits available at Oriental Traders and The Dollar Tree . Get a Polaroid Camera used for under $50.00 at Ebay.com. Then have your guests make photo frames using a kit. Or, decorate ornaments--clear plastic ornaments only run a $1.00 for a set of two at The Dollar Store. Watch a movie like the Nativity Story or Elf, and give your guests a quiz on the movie. Have a fun prize like a Nutcracker or other inexpensive festive toy or home decor item.

Two Kinds of Serving

Isn’t it funny that though the Christmas season is a time of thinking of others through gift buying, card sending, and family and friends gathering together, the emphasis can still somehow be on ourselves? Like, buying the right Christmas tie or sweater to look our best in, or obsessing about how good all the food we’ve been eating tastes but then how we need to lose 10 to 50 pounds to get back to our normal weight. What if we serve others, then party? How about coordinating a party at a homeless shelter (Often there is a budget for these kind of events at a center--you and your friends can offer help serving a meal, decorating, taking photos, and bringing baked goods). Or, what about going Christmas shopping with a group of friends, and spending $10 each for a gift to send to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, then celebrating at a local Starbucks. Take the party outside!