The holiday season is here and many people are likely to host a gathering of friends or family at their homes over the next few weeks. However, for most people it's also important to be able to have their loved ones around without spending a huge amount of money to do so. After all, a party budget on top of all the gift-giving efforts they need to undertake at this time of year can end up costing an arm and a leg.
With that in mind, here's a handful of tips to help keep costs down without impacting the quality of the party itself:
1) Take people up on their offers
One common move for just about anyone coming to a party is to ask, "Can I bring anything?" Don't be afraid to say, "Absolutely!"
While not everyone is a great cook or baker, most can afford to make a quick trip to the store to buy ice, cups, cheese and crackers, or other party snacks, according to Midwest Living. They likely won't mind the request at all, and if even a few people are enlisted to bring something themselves, that can save hosts a bunch of money.
Hosts don't have to spend hundreds to have a great party.2) Don't go overboard on alcohol
While many people enjoy a nice drink with friends and family, hosts shouldn't feel obligated to buy everything themselves, Midwest Living added. Along similar lines, encouraging a "BYOB" attitude among guests keeps the budget down and ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favorite soda, beer, wine or liquor throughout the evening. That also helps ensure there are no leftovers once everyone goes home.
3) Small plates
Another expensive proposition for many holiday party hosts is preparing large meals, but it doesn't have to be that way, according to The Spruce. Instead of making a turkey or ham, huge cake or pie, focus on making smaller hors d'oeuvre-style dishes that guests can pick at throughout the night. Here, too, you can encourage guests to bring their own contributions, but even if you don't, the variety of options could be appreciated just as much as a big meal.
4) Go green
While green is one of the colors traditionally associated with the holidays, it's also a good practice for hosts looking to save a bit of money, according to Bankrate. Instead of buying a bunch of paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, it's probably a better idea to use your normal dishes and silverware. While you'll have to put in more work washing them, the cost savings can be significant, depending upon the size of the party.
5) Simpler decorations
People often spend a lot of money sprucing up their homes around the holidays, but partygoers don't usually focus on the decor too much, Bankrate noted. Instead, having some festive scented candles and a few low-cost, natural elements like evergreen garlands can go a long way without costing a large amount.
Big, extravagant parties are not the meaning of this wonderful time of year, togetherness is. As such, hosts shouldn't feel as though they have to spend a lot of money to make a gathering happy and memorable.
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