It’s the holiday season and time to gather together to celebrate the gift of family and friendship. 

Whether you host a party every year or it’s your first one, here are some tips to help you plan a party that’s fun, festive and friendly.

How to host a Party without Going Broke Infographic by Patty Sullivan

Set a Budget

• List Potential Expenses: Invites, Decorations, Entertainment, Food & Drinks.
• Prioritize where you’d like to spend the most money.
• Choose a Venue – Reserve your choice as soon as you choose a date or host the party at your own home to cut costs.

Create Your Guest List & Send Invites

Although your budget may dictate the size of your party, the type of party can help control the budget, for example: sit-down dinners are more expensive then buffet-style dinners and email invitations are less expensive than mailed ones.

Plan Your Entertainment

• Have fun with Music! Use a digital service like Spotify or Pandora to create a playlist. 
• Rent or borrow a Karaoke Machine.
• Encourage guests to wear festive attire; offer a prize for best outfit.
• Create Goody bags for kids in attendance.
• Hold a Secret Santa Exchange or White Elephant Gift Swap.

Plan Your Menu

• Catered: Hire as soon as possible for holiday season.
• Cooking Yourself: Host a Brunch Buffet.
• Plan a Potluck: Supply the main dish and ask for sides and desserts from guests.
• Save Money on Drinks: Create a Signature Drink and stock up on soda, water, and apple cider

Decorate

• Reuse old decorations or borrow from family & friends.
• Use natural items like pine cones & branches. Make popcorn strings and paper snowflakes.
• When the season is over, purchase holiday décor on sale for next year!

At the End of the Party

• Buy food storage containers ahead of time to send people home with leftovers and treats.
• If you have centerpieces of flowers, send them home with a few of your guests or use them as prizes.
• If you have a Polaroid or instant camera, take photos throughout the party or set up a photo booth. Allow guests to keep the photos or send them with a handwritten note after the party.