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when the height is holidays, parties may put pause on the importance of the moment – but they may also be affecting your period Budget,
Luckily, throwing an affordable party is possible if you’re intentional about what you want the party to accomplish. You don’t need a big budget to create great memories, says Lee Gimpel, president of Better Meetings, a meeting facilitator and event strategist.
“People often get caught up in the metaphorical glamor of a party and forget about the steak,” Gimpel said. Independent Through email. “They’ll rent an expensive space in a particular zip code, offer an open bar, serve a lot of food, and invest heavily in decor. But at the end of the day, people remember how they felt and whether they really enjoyed it.”
Independent We spoke to event planners and personal finance experts to find four tips for how you can host a soiree without breaking the bank. destroying your budget This holiday season.
Ask for help with food and drink
Hosts often feel pressure to provide liquor, beer, wine, and all the food for their parties. However, that’s a harsh rule, said Alexander Ketter, savings expert and U.S. managing director of Coupons.com.
Asking your attendees to bring food and drinks can save money and give guests with dietary restrictions the opportunity to provide food that meets their needs.
“You provide the venue, your guests provide the rest,” explains Cater. Independent In an email. “This may seem cheap, but you’ll be surprised at how many people will be happy to have somewhere to go. Plus, you don’t have to worry about catering for many different dietary requirements, and guests won’t feel shy about bringing exactly what they want to eat (and drink).”
If you feel uncomfortable relying on your attendees to bring all the knowledge and librettos, you can always provide the main course and original spirit for the event. For example, your invitations might note that you will provide the main protein and vodka for the bar.
“People often think you need to provide different types and quantities of alcohol for a party; that’s not true,” he said. “Instead, you can tell guests you’ll be offering one type of drink… and if they want something special, bring it. Most people are not only happy to do that – they’ll accept it.”
If you’re known for a particular recipe that your attendees love, taking charge of the main dish is an especially good idea, says Shumaila Panhwar, founder of SoCal Event Planners.
“As the host, you can take charge of the larger main dishes and showstoppers for the night — think turkey or steak or that famous dessert you’re known for — but leave smaller appetizers or side dishes for guests who want to help and participate,” she explains. Independent by email.
SHOP STRATEGIC DECOR
Decorations can enhance the atmosphere of a party. If your get-together is based on a specific holiday, stocking up on decorations ahead of time by searching for sales and end-of-season discounts can cut down on your total spend, said Claudia Fannini, founder of The Italian Planners, an event and travel management agency based in Milan.
“Stock up on beautiful decorations during post-holiday sales and save them for next year’s celebrations,” Fannini explains. Independent In an email.
For parties that aren’t tied to a particular holiday, ingenuity — or social media posts — can save you a few dollars on decorations.
“You can also use creativity to create charming decorations: Think jars turned into candle holders, vases filled with ornaments, or leftover ribbon tied around napkins. Pinterest is your best friend for stylish, budget-friendly DIY inspiration,” she said.
Avoid spending too much on small things
When you think about the most memorable parties you attended, consider what made them special. Was it the conversations you had and the vibe you felt, or was it the monogrammed napkins?
Spending money on small details that partygoers don’t notice — we’re looking at you, monogrammed napkins — is a common detour for party hosts, Panhwar said.
“Guests come there to socialize, dine, company and have fun,” he said. “They won’t remember the monogrammed napkins, topiary ice sculptures, or customized signage. They’ll remember the vibes and the food!”
If you love small details and are intimidated by the idea of monogram restrictions, adding small touches that enhance the party invite feel can be a big win for party attendees.
“Guests remember how welcoming they felt at the event, not how much you spent,” Panhwar said. “Focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, good food and thoughtful touches – and no one will ever question what you didn’t spend.”
Start planning your party early
Hosting a celebration at your home or rented space requires strategy, timing, and a systematic approach to ensure things go well. Another benefit of starting your planning early? You should avoid last-second frantic shopping driven by stress rather than selectivity, Panhwar said.
“Many times, you go into ‘panic’ mode right before the party and end up buying more than you need for food, drinks, decorations, and more,” she said. “If you plan ahead and think carefully about needs, you can purchase items as needed. …Your future self will thank you.”
Planning in advance will also help reduce anxiety on the day; You don’t want your guests to suffer from second-hand stress.
Panhwar said, “Preparation…yourself; that’s the thing that’s always forgotten.” “You’ve decorated your home, ordered or cooked an amazing meal, but you haven’t thought about yourself. Make sure you’ve already picked out your outfit, ironed it and put it together with matching jewelery [that]On the day, you can step away for a quick moment and get ready! A comfortable host is a fun host.”