What to plan for when hosting a fun, affordable event

Celebrating with family and friends is the perfect way to elevate any holiday or festive occasion. If you’re tasked with hosting the event, you have a lot to get done. As you create your to-do list, it can be overwhelming looking at just how much you have to purchase. Hosting a fun affair on a budget is possible with a few simple tips and tricks. Consider these ideas to ensure guests have a memorable time and you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Theme

Select a theme for your party and let guests go wild. A theme costs nothing but the entertainment value is priceless.

Appetizers

Save time and money by skipping complicated homemade appetizers and serving high-quality frozen alternatives.

Potluck

Rather than being in charge of every course, make the party potluck style. Invite guests to bring over a favorite dish to share and everyone gets to try new foods and flavors. Keep a running list of who’s bringing what so you can ensure you have a good variety of offerings.

Drinks

There are two ways to save on beverages when hosting a party. First, buy in bulk at a membership club so you don’t pay full retail prices. Second, make big batches of drinks such as punch or lemonade and place in a beverage dispenser so guests can serve themselves. Either way, you’ll spend less and guests have plenty to wet their whistle.

Presentation

It doesn’t matter what you serve, it’s how you serve it. Any food looks more elegant on proper serving dishes.

DIY decorations

A few decorations can really create the right ambiance, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot when you go the DIY route. For example, in the winter, pine-cones in vases add rustic charm. Add a few bows of evergreen plucked from the tree in the backyard, and you have an eye-pleasing centerpiece that also smells fresh and looks fantastic.

Buffet

Serve party food buffet style and everyone can eat and socialize as they please. By selecting affordable party platters, you’ll have delicious foods for guests to nosh on without the excess expense. Two time-tested winners: deli and sandwich platters, and cookie and brownie platters.

Board games

Keep conversations lively and guests mingling by spreading board games throughout gathering spaces. This allows guests to grab a box and start a game at any time. Fun competition is a great way to bring people closer.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.