How to Plan a Thrifty Holiday Party

HOW TO PLAN A THRIETY Holiday Party Irwitations Keep in mind, the invitation sets the tone of the event. Is there a theme? Should guests dress up? Let the style of the invitation speak for itself. (of course, you can write it inside the invite, too!) FORMAL PARTIES... Post or hand-deliver a printed invitation. CASUAL PARTIES... Spread the word in person, by phone or online with an email or e-vite – all (nearly) free! Save Extra Buy cardstock and make the invitations by hand. You could add your own touches with markers, ribbons, photos, beads, etc. Or find a free template online, tailor it to your party theme, and print it off at home! Theme & Decorations For frugal party decorating, pick a simple theme (like a colour) and choose just a few key items to highlight it. You may be able to transform items you already own into decorations and centrepieces, simply because they match the colour. Just like that: free decorations! It's fun to deck the halls, but remember to do it in moderation, especially if you're on a budget. Just one or two items from the list below will be enough to make your place feel festive: W: streamers linens balloons centrepieces lights or candles flowers banners If your home is already trimmed for the holidays, you're done! Save Extra Don't spend money on disposable cups and plates; use your everyday dinnerware. Menu Food is often the star of a holiday gathering, but the costs can be extravagant. Here are a few ways to lower your pre-party supermarket bill. AVOID LEFTOVERS Buy only as much food as you need. For every 1 guest, serve. 6 portions of appetisers 1.5 servings of entrée 1.5 servings of side dish 3 cookies 1.5 cupcakes 1.5 drinks per hour SERVE A LIGHTER MEAL For a dinner party, serve up larger portions of the side dishes. Starches (breads and pastas) and cooked vegetables can be just as filling as expensive meats and cheeses. HOST IT AFTER SUPPER Present your guests with a snack bar in place of a full-blown feast. BRING YOUR OWN For a casual get-together, ask your guests to come with a beverage or dessert. When everyone brings a dish to share, the host saves big! SCRATCH THE ALCOHOL You don't need spirits to be in the holiday spirit. Cutting alcohol will free up plenty of room in your party-planning budget. Save Extra Ready-made fruit and vegetable platters are costly. Save a pound or two by buying fresh produce and slicing it up at home. QuickQuid.co.uk References "Dalton, H. (2012, September 20). How much food & drinks to serve at a party. Retrieved from http://www.chickabug.com/blog/2012/09/how-much-food-and-drinks-to-serve-at-a-party.html