Plan a Party Without Breaking the Bank

Parties Don't Have to Cost a Lot to be Fun

Great parties can be planned to fit every budget. You don’t need to buy the most expensive cuts of meat, replace the old furniture in your home, and send out expensive custom invitations to have a wonderful event. In fact, sometimes the least fussy parties are the most fun for your guests. Here's how to plan a great party within a budget.

1. Before You Do Anything... Figure Out Your Budget

It's very easy to lose track of expenses in the excitement of planning a party. So determine what your budget will allow before you begin, and keep a running record of your expenses to be sure you stay on target.

2. Take Advantage of Technology

Unless you're hosting a formal party, it's perfectly acceptable to use electronic invitations - as long as you know that your guests are tech savvy. You'll save on both printing and postage expenses. There are several sites that will help you to send out email invitations for free.

If you're not comfortable with the informality of email, become familiar with your computer's desktop publishing program and make your own invitations. Be sure to compare the price of printing using your own printer versus an outside printer since home printer ink cartridges can be pricey.

3. Cook More in Your Own Kitchen

We’ve become so accustomed to turning to convenience ingredients, and prepared foods, that we've forgotten the joys and cost savings of serving something that we've cooked for our guests. Although time can be an issue for today's busy families, with good planning it's possible to do your cooking a little bit at a time. Choose dishes you can make weeks ahead of time to freeze and reheat before your party. Appetizers, cookies, and casseroles all work well. Instead of purchasing expensive, pre-cut vegetables or fruit, you can prep them yourself the day or two before your party.

4. Get the Kids Involved

Many party preparation jobs can be given to your children, saving you both time and money. Most kids love to play in water, so instead of purchasing expensive, pre-washed salad, have the kids wash and tear it for you. Don’t purchase cookie dough when you can mix up a batch and have the kids dollop the dough for you. Older children can help mix homemade salad dressings; peel potatoes; or layer canapes on serving dishes for you, instead of purchasing the pre-made variety.

5. Keep it Simple

Leave the formal dinner party to someone else. Hosting one fun course really well makes for a great party. A late evening dessert party can feel extra decadent. Serve a variety of cookies, a few pies, a special cake, sorbet, coffee, tea, and a favorite after dinner drink. Late afternoon drinks and hors d'oeuvres are another fun idea. Be specific about your party hours on your invitation so that guests know what to expect.

6. Add Fun to Your Party

Many people enjoy mingling in the kitchen and helping out, so plan an inexpensive, hands-on party that will be fun. Give your guests a glass of wine or champagne before they begin, turn up the music, and the cooking becomes an event. Host a:

Make your own pizza party. Provide pizza dough, sauce, cheeses, and toppings and bring out the kid in your guests.

Top your own pasta party. Cook up a large batch of pasta, toss it with olive oil to coat to avoid sticking, and serve with a selection of sauces and meats.

Gather everyone around the fondue pots. Prepare a cheese fondue, a meat fondue, and a dessert fondue, and then let everyone dip and cook their own veggies, meats, fruit, and cookies.

7. Let Everyone Contribute

How often have you told a guest “just bring yourself” after she’s asked what she can bring. Next time you should take your guests up on their offers to help. Better yet, organize a party that is meant to be a group cooking experience. Plan a traditional potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish. Or organize a progressive dinner where the party moves from house to house.

8. Skip the Open Bar

Buy wine and beer by the case to save on alcohol expenses. If you’d like to serve cocktails too, pick one or two to offer your guests, and mix them up in advance so you don’t have to tend bar all evening. When pulling out your glassware, select your smaller size glasses. Not only will guests take smaller servings, there will be less waste when someone forgets where he put down his glass.

9. Decorate with Candles

Candles are inexpensive, festive, and the dim light is good for hiding the possible renovations needed in your home. Plus, since you’ll be spending a little more time in the kitchen, candles will cover up for the time you don’t spend dusting all of the high places.

10. Use Your Good China

You didn’t put a set of china on your bridal registry so that it would decorate your china cabinet. Use it for every party you host. Not only will it dress up even the most simple meal, you will save on the cost of using disposable party goods.