You’ve seen dinner parties on t.v. and in movies your whole life. And you’ve always wanted to be one of those amazing hostesses who makes guests feel welcome. Now that you’re married you realize that entertaining like that costs money…money that isn’t really in your budget right now. With the holiday season approaching, you want to invite people over, but how do you make it work?
Image source thelifeofasuburbanprincess.blogspot.com
Many young couples make the mistake of thinking that entertaining has to be expensive. The truth is, it doesn’t! Yes, having a giant dinner party with racks of lamb may cost a pretty penny. Who says you have to entertain that way?
One of the easiest, budget-saving tips I can give you is to keep things casual. Casual means fewer decorations and cheaper food…but just as much fun. Why not just invite some friends over for pizza (the discount ones of course)? Or how about hamburgers and hotdogs (that you’ve bought in large packs from the store)? Or even just have a desert or appetizer party. The possibilities are endless!
Image source thepartydress.net
Another way to keep costs low is to have guests help bring certain items, such as chips, drinks, or paper plates. I know that our friends are more than happy to bring something, and most of them ask me what they can bring. Don’t tell them to just bring themselves…take them up on their offer! If you’re only giving your guests one thing to bring, then you don’t need to feel bad.
As far as decorations go, be creative. Find leaves or flowers out in your yard that you can use. Pull out old scraps of fabric to make a table runner or napkin rings. Festive decorating doesn’t have to cost a lot. Magazines always have great ideas for decorating, and many of them you can alter to make even cheaper. Why not gather a few acorns outside and put them in a bowl with a candle for a center piece? Or pick a few wildflowers and tuck one inside each guest’s napkin? Get inspiration, get creative, and get busy!
Image source http://growingyourgrassgreener.blogspot.com
If you do invest in certain items, such as cups, wreaths, or tablecloths, do your homework. Buy things on clearance after a holiday and save them for next year. Don’t buy the cheapest of the cheap, either. Good quality items will last for years to come, whereas cheap items may only make it through a few uses. Whatever you choose to do, have fun when you’re entertaining. Don’t worry about what guests think about your home or your choice in food. I promise you, they’re not thinking about it. Successful entertaining is all about the atmosphere and mood you create, and no amount of money can buy that.
What are some things you do to have people over without breaking the bank?
I love that picture of the pizza party! It’s so simple, but the little details make it awesome.
Asking people to bring something helps a lot. It makes it so much easier to prepare, and people are usually willing to help in that way.
I think people are so willing to help because they know how much of a help it is at their own parties. Plus, people get to bring something that they’re good at making…so that’s a plus!
I love this post!! Such great ideas and pictures.
I agree I think that people like to know what to bring to something so suggesting everyone bring their favorite side dish or dessert always seems to work out and costs the host less.
My friends and I have had a “nacho” party before and everyone brought an ingredient for nachos!
Next week I’m hosting a “sandwich” lunch and everyone is bringing a topping or meat for a sandwich, it will be like Subway
I like the nacho and sandwich ideas! Those are both ideas that would be loads of fun and easy on the budget. For a friend’s birthday once we did a “decorate your own cupcake” station”. It was super easy and everyone had fun doing it…despite how cheesy it sounds!
Pingback: Find a Crowd Pleaser For Thanksgiving Dinner | Newlywed's Bliss