Getting together with friends and family is loads of fun, however it can be a costly entertainment option if you don’t plan first.
Here are a few ways to help get your party started, or to host a small get-together for less. You’ll have fun and save at the same time. You just can’t beat that!
Entertainment
As a rule, you should not focus on this as much. The point of getting together is to spend time together, so tell jokes, stories and laugh. Just enjoy each other’s company. That’s entertainment enough!
Food
Go easy on the food. You could host a potluck and ask everyone to bring a dish. You could do an appetizer only party. Or have a little fun and host a tea party with tea, cookies and a large cake cut into tiny pieces. Be sure and have coffee available for those that prefer that. Another favorite to serve at a tea party is biscuits. Always a big hit and you can brush some melted butter on top, and sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon. Delicious!
Another idea is to host a themed party. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, All-American. Have each person bring a special dish. Or try something completely different and host a baked goods party. Ok, so it might be a bit on the sugary, fattening side, but learn to live a little and you’ll have a blast!
Drinks
First, I recommend you avoid the alcoholic beverages, because they are a huge budget buster. However, if you decide you need them, ask everyone to bring their own. Almost like a potluck in that aspect too.
If you avoid the alcohol, serve punch or iced tea. Both are inexpensive to make. You could also make home-made lemonade. It’s relatively inexpensive and tastes great, especially in these hot summer months!
Decorations and Table Settings
Visit the dollar store or check out the local discount chain. They often have inexpensive plastic dish-ware in fun, festive colors and patterns that will not break the bank. Or look for some fun coordinating pieces from a thrift store or flea market. Doesn’t necessarily matter if they match perfectly or not, as long as they coordinate well.
You can also purchase fabric in fun patterns and colors to act as a table cloth. Cut a little extra to create some pieces to serve as napkins. You can also use a blanket or throw to make a table cloth.
As far as other decorations go, use balloons – they are fun and festive and extremely inexpensive. Or get creative with paper and scissors. Make old fashioned paper chains, or create place cards.
Or better yet, again visit the dollar store. You might fine some cool stuff that can act as a decoration for the party, but also be used for other things.
Candles are always a great decoration, but you can fill a glass or silver bowl with beads, sand and shells, stones or whatever your heart desires. Baskets, boxes and containers work well too. Even a glass jar would look festive with some ribbons and fake flowers.
What kind of inexpensive ideas do you have for a party or get-together?
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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