OK, so I would like to hear from all of you for this one - How would you entertain on a lower budget while still throwing a great party? I am looking for fresh and creative ideas - who ever comes up with the most creative idea will receive a $50 Gift Certificate from Social Couture. Good Luck!
Well I sure don't have the winning answer but I have cut down the amount of people I invite. I figured I can either have a smaller group and make it a nicer party or I can have a big group and not have it that great.
I love throwing parties and plan way in advance so I can keep an eye out for things to use. I find things on sale, clearance or in season. Of course that saves big bucks.
I also have a good friend who throws parties and we exchange things we have which saves on the cost of having to buy everything new.
Last thing is I make a lot more things for my parties then I used to. Takes more time but saves more money.
Hugs,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Kennedy | March 04, 2009 at 08:17 PM
My secret is raiding our local Dollar Tree and the dollar sections of places like Target and Michael's, and repurpose items.
I have square glass votive holders that have served as a candy bowl, a flower vase, and turned over, becomes the base to a serving plate. Other dollar store finds include covering styrofoam balls in colored tissue paper and clear cellophane become giant candies for Halloween, Christmas, and birthday party decor.
The toy section is also perfect for boas for girly-themed parties, giant plastic bugs for garden and Halloween parties, glowsticks for Halloween drink stirrers and party favors. I've even found gumball machines that I've personalized as a name-card/party favor.
Posted by: Dawn | March 04, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Our family has gone from large annual parties - which are costly, to choosing one family or small groups of friends to enjoy over for dinner once a month. We sit down with the kids and decide who we will invite over for a 'dinner' party once a month. I hope this is teaching them hospitality while at the same time saving us money. I still order linens, flowers and sometimes food, but our family can still stay connected to our friends without throwing a huge $hindig. Can we set up at monthly plan with you? warmly - K
Posted by: Kathleen | March 04, 2009 at 09:12 PM
All of my soirees are on a budget! I save money by buying fresh flowers wholesale. Overtime I have "invested" in fabulous serving platters, bowls, stemware, vases from places like TJ Max & Marshalls. Generally my siorees are small so I make my own food with tried & true recipes that I know are a hit. Dessert is also homemade. I have hosted a few themed dinner parties, but I don't decorate. The theme is more for the food. For a Mardi Gras party I made Cajun. And gave all my guests beads to wear...super cheap at the dollar store. For a valentine party I made French food, and each couple brought a dessert for our dessert bar. I think people appreciate homemade food.
While I may use my china and "fine" stemware from TJ Max, my socal gatherings are more about the company than dazzling them with my table settings.
Posted by: Heather | March 04, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Planning ahead saves money on its own, by giving you time to create projects that you might otherwise have spent money on, find the best deals, and build up slowly rather than spending a lot at once. I save money on things the guests won't remember, like using paper plates and napkins, so that we can spend money on things they will, like drinks, food and decorations. I make a few decorations go a long way by hostessing in a nice-looking place and chosing decorations that give a big punch. Small decorations can get lost in a room, and just eat up the budget. Our guests always ask what they can bring to contribute, so we save money on desserts and sides by letting them share their treats, while we focus on main dishes. I also don't forget or leave out the small details that make a party memorable, but I do those projects myself, such as making invitations and drink charms. I keep my eyes open constantly for things I can use later- for example, the black cauldrons I bought at Halloween, which will be our Pots of Gold for St. Patrick's Day. Being creative and finding multiple ways things can be used is a big money-saver as well.
Posted by: Jan | March 05, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I am investing in items that can be used for many different purposes as far as decorating. I am ALWAYS looking for a bargain no matter which store I go to. Sometimes I am not sure what I will use the item for at the time, but it always proves to be a good purchase. You really have to learn to shop with a big open picture in your head.
I LOVE details and I focus alot of attention on making sure that whatever Party is going on...it's about that person or event. The simplest and inexpensive things can be a big impact on the party. For instance...at my niece's High School Graduation Open House, I made photo confetti of her throughout her life that we sprinkled on the tables. It was amazingly cheap, but was so perfect and really made the party all about her.
Posted by: Lisa | March 06, 2009 at 06:45 AM
I realized a long time ago that I wanted to be an "entertainer" so I started stocking up on plain glass plates for a dollar each. It is an obvious money saver since I don't have to waste $$ on paper products every time I host something...10 years worth of savings!
I also learned how to save $$ on food by serving dishes that serve a lot of people for little money, such as meatballs, dips, puff pastry palmiers, pizza, pasta, etc.
Use what you have, but in a new way. I have grabbed items from my kids room, my hasband's man cave, and even the bathroom, and used it for entertaining decor!
Use the same old white vase, but embelish it with scrapbook stickers or ribbon. Paint an old candle stick. Use an old curtain as a tableclothe!
Think Outside the Box!
www.celebrationsathome.blogspot.com
Posted by: Chris | March 06, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Budget,a harsh word, but very important when creating that special get together! After years of
giving many types of parties, I've
found that organization and planning are key to saving money.
Over the years, I've bought beautiful fabric and had them made into table runners or tablecloths. I've done them for
holidays, outdoor, wine tasting, kids parties, luncheons, halloween, and much more.
and keep them in large plastic containers, ready to be used for any theme. This gives you the base for your tablescape. I also
keep it simple, a focus for the tables, beautiful ornaments and candles for holiday, large toys, all kinds of goodies usually bought locally at discount home stores. I usually buy items at the end of the season and store for future use. Fresh floral can always fit into a budget, keep it simple and add fruit or vegetables to your arrangement. Entertain smaller groups if you can, buy in bulk if you must have large groups, say for kids, make something fun like home made ice cream sandwiches, baked cupcakes on ice cream cones and more,very cost effective.
Think ahead, for saving and creativity!
Posted by: Sheri | June 25, 2009 at 11:26 AM