Start by saving money on the invitations. You don’t need an expensive invitation to invite people to your home. Try printing them yourself, or really save some money and send all your invitations using the Internet.
One area where a lot of people spend too much is decorations. You don’t have to purchase expensive decorations year after year. A bowl filled with candy or ornaments can be a beautiful centerpiece. Use the decorations you already have to liven up your holiday party. Dress the tree, hang the stockings, and rummage through your existing decorations to set a wonderful ambiance. To save a little time, effort, and money, don’t decorate those rooms that will not be used for the party.
A beautiful and well laid table doesn’t have to be expensive. You shouldn’t feel like you have to go out and buy all new linens every year. Use what you have, and make the table unique with the use of candles, sparkles, and maybe an ornament or two scattered around the table for fun.
Consider holding the party in your own home or the home of a friend. Renting a space can be a huge cost, and an unnecessary one. Also try cutting down on the guest list. Large parties incur larger expenses.
Food can be expensive. You can lighten this cost in a couple different ways. Choose simple foods that everyone will love. Remember that there will probably be leftovers, so only use foods that you’ll want to eat the day after. You can also ask that everyone bring a dish. Perhaps you could supply the main course, and ask your guests to supply dessert or appetizers. Not only will this reduce the amount you have to spend, but it will cut down on your preparation time. To really save money on food, don’t hold your party during mealtimes at all, but offer cocktails and snacks instead.
If you really want to save money when planning a holiday party, don’t offer an open bar. Choose one or two drinks that people truly enjoy, and limit yourself to that. Let your guests know that they are more than welcome to bring their own favorite drink to contribute to the party. As an alternative, host an alcohol-free party this year. Non-alcoholic drinks are typically far less expensive.
Everyone likes to give gifts, but in a group of perhaps twenty guests, this can get prohibitively expensive. Encourage your guests to bring items for donation to a local shelter or organization. Appropriate donations can include non-perishables and canned goods. In this way, everyone can enjoy the spirit of giving without breaking the bank.
Spice up any party with fun holiday games that don’t cost anything at all. Try holiday trivia or holiday charades. If children are involved, try decorating cookies or other holiday treats that can also serve as dessert. Entertaining your holiday guests doesn't have to be expensive. Get just a little creative, and everyone will have plenty of fun, and you’ll still stay on budget.
Remember that holiday entertaining doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Your guests are your friends, and they value your company. They won’t be disappointed if you don’t spend every penny you have on them.
