Affordable holiday entertaining ideas

The holidays are coming up quickly. This year, take your party to the next level to truly impress your guests — without breaking the bank. Consider these entertaining secrets that expert party planners use to throw unforgettable holiday parties for less:

Themes

A bit of brainstorming is all you need to figure out the best theme for your celebration. From an outdoor autumn harvest to a New Year’s masquerade, the sky’s the limit. For a fun twist on holiday celebrations, consider having a favorite movie be the theme for the party. Include the theme on the invitations you send so guests know the details.

Food

Whether you’re serving appetizers or planning a full-out feast, food is a party essential. Enhance your food service by renting everything you need for an impressive presentation. Silver food chafers, flatware, serving trays and more are available from your local rental store. You might even consider renting a few fun extras, such as a chocolate or champagne fountain to really impress guests.

Entertainment

Let music set the mood by creating a custom playlist. Then amplify those tunes by renting a professional sound system and dance floor to watch guests move and grove. For movie-themed parties, consider renting a projector so guests can view the flick in style.

Decor

If you prefer the DIY route, visit sites like Pinterest for ideas on how to create beautiful decor. If you aren’t crafty, you can rent table linens, runners and centerpieces. Don’t forget about lighting. The right lights create the ideal ambience, as well as providing an element of safety by brightening up dark spaces.

Extras

Small additions like coat racks eliminate that pile of coats and purses, keeping rooms neat and tidy. Extra chairs ensure guests are comfortable whether they are visiting, eating or drinking. For a truly festive celebration, rent a bar and set up a drink station with all the barware needed to really impress guests. If you’re having a big party, don’t pack into your house — rent a tent if necessary and let the good times roll!

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.