Party Planning on a Budget
Tips on how to throw a holiday party without breaking the bank.
Do you love to entertain but find it expensive? Over the years, I've come up with a few inexpensive party planning ideas. I have a storage container I keep my “Party Kit” in and pull it out when I have guests coming over:
White Dishes: This is a great starting point for any dinner. White dishes make your food look fantastic and will match with any color scheme you have picked for your party. You can easily dress up white dishes with napkins from the dollar/discount store! I purchased large square plates that are used as dining plates but also as serving dishes for appetizers or even cookies for Cookie Christmas Parties.
Clear Glass Ware: I constantly watch for unique, inexpensive vases, dishes, candle holder, etc at my local thrift shops and discount stores. Keep in mind you do not need to use the dish for it’s indented purpose. Fill it up with seasonal candy, rock salt and a scented candle, leaves, pinecones, flowers – anything! It’s even better if Mother Nature provides it for free from your own back yard. It’s so easy to customize for the theme of your party. Make some specialized signs on your computer and print them out. Buy ribbon from the discount store for a splash of color.
Candles: I find candles add a special element to any gathering. It seems to put people at ease and adds a certain elegance. If you’d like to invest in some large pillar candles that will be around for a while I suggest you choose white so they will easily coordinate with any theme. If you also have white serving dishes, white candles will look intentional. White candles also tend to be cheaper and easier to find.
Wine Glasses: I recently purchased two dozen wine glasses for a wine party I held. They were purchased at the discount store for $1.25. I don’t use them for just wine. I serve all types of drinks in them and people love being served their non-alcoholic drinks in them as they feel like they are still getting a special treat. The glasses can also be prettied up by tying a wide ribbon around the stem, filling them with bulk candy or float a candle in the glasses.
Cookware: Watch for sales and invest in beautiful serving dishes. Try to invest in pieces of cookware you will use often and for many different purposes. You would be surprised what you will find at yard sales or your local thrift store.
Serving Dishes: Pick a theme for your serving dishes and stick with it. You don’t have to go crazy all at once and break the bank. Be a smart shopper and keep your eyes open for that special dish that jumps out at you that will be a lovely addition to your collection.
Stainless Steel or Aluminum: Aluminum containers can be expensive, so watch your thrift shops and discount stores for these. And use your imagination. Containers can be repurposed for just about anything. Before I started to host parties, I purchased some adorable little aluminum pails at the discount store for $1.00 each. I use them to serve treats, napkins, forks/knives, etc. They work beautifully for any party.
Table Clothes: Table dressings are the base to any party table and can add the biggest pop to the theme. I purchased in a long white table clothe for my table from a store that was going out of business. Then I watched my local thrift shops for smaller table clothes I could layer on top for a punch of color. Even multiple linen napkins could be used as accent pieces. Simple, easy and very affordable!
White Christmas Lights: I purchased some Christmas lights over 9 years ago at the end of the holiday season. I’ve used those lights at weddings, anniversary parties, Christmas parties and even my Wine Party. They can be draped in the trees in your back yard during the summer, or hung behind shear curtains in your house to add a soft glow to the party area.
Folding Chairs: Investing in some matching folding chairs was one of the best purchases I ever made. Folding chairs help ensure your company has a place to sit without always having a lot of bulky furniture around your house, and are a perfect inexpensive solution. Have a special storage place for them – in the closet or under your bed. Take them out only when you need them and put them back into hiding when you’re done. They are great for your backyard as well as indoors.
Simple & Easy Appetizer Recipes: Lastly, but most importantly you’ll want a few recipes for super easy and reliable party appetizers. Keep it simple and use delicious ingredients. Don’t be afraid to invest in certain key ingredients, be more attentive of the cost per serving. Example: a can of crab meat may seem indulgent but when used in stuffed mushrooms, it can be stretched to make over 50 stuffed mushrooms for your guests.
Some of my favorite party foods include:
•Slow Cooker Sweet’n Sour Meatballs
•Candied Bacon & Brown Sugar Baked Brie
•5 Ingredient Stuffed Mushrooms
•Sweet & Earthy Red Beet Crostini
Last words of advice: Watch for the sales, check out the thrift or discount stores and visit yard sales to see what you can find. Pinterest has a wealth of ideas. And remember, many things can be repurposed so shop at home first. Happy Planning!
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