Some people love to throw a great party, others not so much. But there will be a time when throwing a great party is going to fall on your shoulders so knowing some tips and tricks to make it memorable, easy, and fun can’t hurt. I have a big party I am planning and thought you would enjoy some tips I have garnered over the years of planning events and parties – especially ones on the cheap!
* Make the dollar store is your friend when it comes to decorations! Tablecoverings, plates, streamers, theme decorations, etc. Go with a theme and use plenty to decorate freely around the house, tables, and even outdoors if you are gathering there.
* Plan your meal with ease in mind. Look for recipes that can be made ahead to lessen your time in the kitchen
* Look for recipes that have simple ingredients to keep costs down. Chicken on sale? Grab it. Burgers are fast and easy. Fresh Fruits and Veggies are always welcome.
* Use the grill and keep clean up a breeze and guests outdoors
* Plan just a few beverages to keeps costs down. Big jugs of Ice tea or Lemonade work well. Only offer one or two types of alcohol, if appropriate for the gathering.
* Let others help by bringing salads or desserts. That helps defray the costs
* Keep the flow of the party by making foods and beverages easy to reach and deal with. Scatter munchies around the room to break up congestion in one place.
* Mingle and have fun. Don’t stress and enjoy the time with friends and family.
What tips and tricks do you use to use to keep costs down on your party gatherings and have fun too? Share some with us!
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The dollar store is a lifesaver for last minute party decorations!!
I much prefer finger foods and things that can be eaten out of hand to keep down the amount of plates and silverware needed–a good example would be serving cupcakes instead of a layer cake. I had my last party carefully planned to avoid having to use dishes and to keep traffic out of the kitchen, then some guests showed up with several kinds of ice cream and toppings; all my planning went out the window, as we then had to dig out bowls and spoons and take people’s orders–who wanted chocolate, who wanted vanilla–and it turned into a circus. And that was my last party because after that, I said NO MORE!
I am always terrified of having parties. I get bogged down in the planning and it never ends up simple!
These are great tips for any party . we try to keep down the costs and A Dollar Store is great for,that.
I don’t really have any tips that’s why I was eager to see yours!! I start out with good intentions, but can get carried away with “theme” ideas . I would say don’t go to the stores where they have the theme decorations if you want to save!!!
Great tips! The Dollar Store is my friend. Something good in the crock pot can be easy and carefree.
Great tips and I love the grill idea. I love the Dollar store and always get my party supplies there. I also love your tips about making recipes with simple ingredients some of these recipes that I see online cost like $50+ just to get all the stuff to make it.
Parties get expensive quick….everything from invitations to decorations to preparation and food…money, money, money. Great tips on keeping is simple but fun. I like the reminder to have snacks in different areas to keep the party moving and mingling. Background music can be fun, and if you need a fancy cake it’s a lot cheaper to use a fake, fancy one then sheet cake for the actual eating. If you can think ahead, red plates are on clearance after Christmas and can easily work for a Valentine’s or romance party in the following year. You are right the dollar store, store deals, and diy decorations really help cut on costs.