How to Plan a Christmas Party on a Budget

How to Host a Christmas Party on a Limited Budget

Christmas is a time of celebration, or at least it should be. However, with all the money stressors that come with the holiday season, you may be tempted to forego a holiday party or gathering because it is just too expensive. It doesn’t have to be that way. Follow some of these strategies and learn how to host a Christmas party on a limited budget.

Eliminate Gift Giving From Your Christmas Party

Eliminate gift-giving and door prizes at the party. It will not only reduce the financial pressure on your budget, but will also be a relief to those who attend the party. Let guests know in advance your Christmas party will be a gift-free zone. Guests who insist on bringing a gift should be steered in the direction of bringing something that everyone at the party can enjoy, like a bottle of wine.

Make Your Christmas Party a Potluck

Consider a potluck party where each guest brings a dish or dessert. This will not only help you extend a limited budget at a party, but it has other benefits as well. The party spread will end up more diverse than a typically catered party, it will take much of the cooking pressure off you, and those with dietary restrictions will be able to make sure they have something to eat at the party, making the evening more enjoyable for everyone.

Super-size Your Christmas Party Supplies for Savings

Buy supplies at a cost-saver warehouse. Places like Sam’s Club and CostCo offer deep discounts on paper plates, plastic cups and napkins, as well as on soda and parties foods like chips and pretzels. They also offer savings on deli-trays of lunchmeats and cheeses, fruit and pastries. If you don’t think you will need the quantities you may have to buy in non-perishable items, team up shopping with a friend and you can take advantage of the savings and split the purchases.

If you plan to supply all the food at your party, make as much of it as you can. Chop your own vegetables for crudités platters. Arrange your own fruit. Bake your own treats. The more you can make yourself, the more you will save over catering or even less expensive party trays.

Theme Your Party With Your Existing Decorations

Select a party theme that revolves around Christmas decorations you already may have. Make your Christmas tree the focal point. If your holiday décor revolves around certain colors, involve them in the party décor. Spruce up what you already have and use it instead of purchasing party-only décor items.

Use Online Invites for Christmas Party

Don’t spend money on invitations and the stamps to mail them. Instead use online e-vites, which also have the added benefit of allowing you to nudge those guests who never seem to RSVP. Call those guests you know may not be Internet-savvy.

Throw a Duel Party With a Friend

With so many parties thrown around Christmas, people’s calendars can get filled very quickly. Consider throwing a party with a friend. It will allow you to share costs, and your friends may secretly thank you for eliminating one other party they would have to attend.

Offer a Limited Drink Menu

Alcoholic drinks can be expensive. Instead of having many drinks, amounting to what sometimes ends up as a near-open bar, offer a couple of Christmas-specific drinks, like warm cider or eggnog.

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