Party Planning on a Small Budget
It’s actually easy to be a great host or hostess and also keep party costs down when you use the following strategies:
Tip #1: Make the party invitations
There’s an amazing selection of free printable party invitations that can be downloaded from the Internet. These include an array of free invitations that cover all types of special occasions, such as housewarmings, baby showers, holiday and tea parties and anniversaries. In fact, there’s so much variety that you can even find something as specific as free 50th birthday party invitations. Just do Web searches to find the type, look and size you want, and then paste the image into a word processing document and print. If you choose the artwork and card stock wisely and do a good job using your home printer, the results may even rival paid versions.
Tip #2: Design your own party decorations
Many types of party decorations can be made at home just using free clip art images or scrapbook papers available online. The clip art can be printed on card stock, cut out and used throughout the house, and also used as part of the design of menu cards or napkin holders. You can also print the scrapbooking papers on card stock and incorporate them into the menu and place cards or napkin holders. These free paper designs can also be used to create origami favors or decorations for an Asian theme. A little glitter glue bought at the drug store and used sparingly on all these items will make them sparkle and look store-bought!
Tip #3: Serve foods that are inexpensive but make a bold statement
Look for unique dip recipes with ingredients that don’t cost a lot and also look impressive on display. For example, spinach-artichoke dip made with frozen spinach and a small jar of inexpensive artichoke hearts looks great in a sourdough bread bowl or hollowed-out purple cabbage head. Another expensive-looking appetizer that doesn’t cost a lot is bacon-wrapped water chestnuts baked in a sauce made of bottled chili sauce, brown sugar and mayonnaise. Just skewer them with decorative toothpicks to complete the presentation.
Tip #4: Set the mood with music
Music sets a party’s mood, so it’s always a great element to have. You can use your CDs, of course, but having live music is, well, livelier. But you don’t have to spend a lot to feature live music at your party. If you aren’t aware of a musician or band that will work for a small amount of cash or even free just to get the experience, ask around at a local university’s music department or even at a store that gives music lessons or sells instruments. There may be musicians who are just learning who will be interested.
Once you get going, there are undoubtedly many other ways you can dream up to stretch your party budget. Just make sure to always think of how your plans will affect your guests’ experience — don’t let inexpensive become cheap. If your goal is to keep the party classy, your decisions will reflect that and your guests won’t know it was actually a bargain.