Saving Money on your Holiday Party

Families and friends love to get together at the holidays but those gatherings can be expensive if you are the host. Still, you want to through a great party with tasty food and a beautiful setting. There are many ways you can host a lavish gathering without spending all your holiday cash.



The Party Food


Food is the centerpiece of any great party. Some people can afford expensive caterers who will bring in silver serving platters and gold-toned forks. You just want a buffet with great presentation and tasty treats.


Keep it simple. You may want to try a gourmet duck recipe but if you have never done it, you could be headed for disaster. Unless you have a lot of money to experiment until you are sure the dish is perfect, it is recommended you serve foods you know. What are some inexpensive, easy-to-make party foods that look good on a plate?
Deli spirals. These are easy to make and look good on a plate. Take soft tortilla shells. You can also find these in green for a unique holiday touch. Spread them with cream cheese, dressing or your favorite spread. Add deli meat and cheese. Then roll them up and cut them into spirals. You can make a lot of these for a limited amount of money.
Fruit Pizza. This recipe from Pillsbury.com is inexpensive and delicious. You take a pizza crust, spread it with marmalade and then top it with your favorite canned or fresh fruits. A money saving twist is to use preserves or a fruit glaze as the base. You can save money by using canned fruits which are usually on sale during the holidays.
Cocktail wieners. Okay, these are not the most aesthetically pleasing food, but almost everyone loves them from kids to adults. You can serve these in your crock pot. Simply add some grape jelly and the barbecue sauce of your choice and keep them warm during the party.

If you are short on time and money, purchase ready to bake holiday cookies from your grocer's freezer. These will look great on a party platter!

A simple ginger ale and green sherbet punch tastes great and looks festive. Simple mix the two together!

Check women's magazines and online for great ideas for making a festive holiday cake. You can find decorations at local craft stores and discount retailers. One box of cake mix is around $1 and many stores put it on sale during the holidays.
If you are hosting the family dinner, keep you eye on the local grocery ads. Most stores sell turkey and ham cheap during the holiday season. Set a food budget and stick to it. Determine how much you are willing to spend per person (this method also minimizes leftovers and keeps you from eating turkey or ham until Easter!). Disregard this if you love the leftovers!
You can also ask everyone to bring their favorite dish. This helps you, the host, save money and you know that everyone there will have at least one dish they like!

Presenting a Perfect Table Setting

If you are just starting out or you just don't have great party platters, you can find some inexpensive ones at local discount retailers. Some discount stores are selling holiday plates, glassware and platters for only a $1 each. If you are not the host this year but plan to be next year, check out the after Christmas sales for some great deals on holiday dishes, glasses and flatware that will get you set for next year.

You can find great decorations for your party at your local discount retailer as well. Everything from miniature trees to adorn the buffet table to greenery are available. Centerpieces can be made from vases you have at home and with flowers from a local craft store. If you are creative and thrifty, you can decorate for your party for less than $25.

If you are really in a bind--borrow. Most people know someone with a silver serving platter, a punch bowl and a cake plate. Just make sure you return them in the same condition you were when they were borrowed.