You're Having a Party on a Tight Budget? Make a List and Check It Twice
You want to do something nice for your friends. Have a Party! One hitch, you're on a tight budget.
Just as household budget gurus will tell you to make a list before you go to the grocery to avoid impulse buying, you need a good party planning list for the same reason.
If you're like me, you get excited about the idea of gathering your good friends together for some fun. I'm sure you are loaded with great party planning ideas also. Just remember that many party ideas cost - but some don't!
So, you need to put together your party planning list with your budget in mind and - stick to it! Great new party ideas that pop in your head need to go on a party planning list for your next party - after your entertainment budget has been replenished.
But don't fret! You can have a great party and not empty your wallet at the same time.
Party Planning List Suggestions that Cost the Most and Some that Don't!
Guests - the more there are, the more your party will cost.
Decide realistically how much you want to spend and then divide that number by $10.00 or $12.00. That will tell you about how many guests you can invite if you are careful in your planning and put some of the ideas in this article on your party planning checklist. Remember also that informal parties are less expensive than formal ones.
Food
Food costs. To stay in your budget, keep your food and beverage menu simple. Don't try to do a seven course meal on a two course meal budget.
Here are some old and new ideas to keep your food budget under control:
Serve a one dish meal with one or two accompaniments and a simple dessert.
The classic pot luck is the best way to spread the cost of a meal around and most guests enjoy bringing their own specialty to show off.
Serve childhood favorites in canapé sizes. An adult kid's party could be your theme. Mini PB&Js, cocktail wieners, min-grilled cheese, tomato soup with a dash of Parmesan cheese for garnish, chicken nuggets with a zesty sauce - you get the idea.
Time your party as an afternoon tea or after the traditional dinner time and just serve a fantastic dessert.
Beverages
Beverages Cost. Here are cost saving ideas for beverages to add to your party planning list:
You can always ask your guest to BYOFB - bring your own favorite beverage.
Serve one awesome special drink - Margaritas, Mojitos, Sangria are all examples.
Avoid serving alcohol - this is becoming more popular to avoid driving intoxicated.
Make a killer homemade lemonade, punch, or special flavored tea.
If you are having a dessert party, just serve coffee and hot tea.
Entertainment
Here are some entertainment ideas to put on your party planning list that don't have to cost you a penny if you are clever and get your guests involved in the planning and have them entertain themselves.
Put some of these ideas on your party planning list:
If you have musician friends who are good and like to perform, ask them to.
Break out the games. Set up small tables and put a different game on each one.
Card parties are classic and guests can play their favorite or organize a Gin Rummy tournament.
Charades is fun and never gets old.
Cooking party - everyone pitches in and helps with a favorite recipes.
Have your guests bring their favorite CDs and have a lip sync party.
Super Bowl, World Series, NASCAR races, Gone with the Wind,or Rocky Horror Picture Show parties are inexpensive broadcast or DVD parties that are perennial favorites.
Decorations
Keep your decorations simple. A budget party is all about getting people together to have a good time. You're not trying to impress people with fancy décor.
Wild flowers or simple flowers from the grocery store in Dollar Store vases can bring color and life to the party.
Candles give a nice glow - just be sure you don't light too many highly scented ones.
Break out the Christmas twinkle lights and string them around the house.
Supplies
Disposable plate ware and other party supplies are convenient, but they cost. If you can, use your own dishes, flatware, and cloth napkins. There might be a little clean up to do, but the price is right.
There are many ways to host a successful party that won't break your budget but will be lots of fun. Be sure to use a party planning list and be creative. If you're not very creative, find a friend who is and ask for help. Much of the fun of having a party is the planning - so ENJOY!
E. Ann Hill is a successful party planning expert and hospitality professional with many years of personal and professional party and event planning experience. She loves to entertain and wants to share the easy and challenging lessons she has learned with eager novice and seasoned hosts. Her goal is to instill the #1 objective for entertaining - the host should enjoy planning the party and the party itself as much as his or her guests.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Ann_Hill
Just as household budget gurus will tell you to make a list before you go to the grocery to avoid impulse buying, you need a good party planning list for the same reason.
If you're like me, you get excited about the idea of gathering your good friends together for some fun. I'm sure you are loaded with great party planning ideas also. Just remember that many party ideas cost - but some don't!
So, you need to put together your party planning list with your budget in mind and - stick to it! Great new party ideas that pop in your head need to go on a party planning list for your next party - after your entertainment budget has been replenished.
But don't fret! You can have a great party and not empty your wallet at the same time.
Party Planning List Suggestions that Cost the Most and Some that Don't!
Guests - the more there are, the more your party will cost.
Decide realistically how much you want to spend and then divide that number by $10.00 or $12.00. That will tell you about how many guests you can invite if you are careful in your planning and put some of the ideas in this article on your party planning checklist. Remember also that informal parties are less expensive than formal ones.
Food
Food costs. To stay in your budget, keep your food and beverage menu simple. Don't try to do a seven course meal on a two course meal budget.
Here are some old and new ideas to keep your food budget under control:
Serve a one dish meal with one or two accompaniments and a simple dessert.
The classic pot luck is the best way to spread the cost of a meal around and most guests enjoy bringing their own specialty to show off.
Serve childhood favorites in canapé sizes. An adult kid's party could be your theme. Mini PB&Js, cocktail wieners, min-grilled cheese, tomato soup with a dash of Parmesan cheese for garnish, chicken nuggets with a zesty sauce - you get the idea.
Time your party as an afternoon tea or after the traditional dinner time and just serve a fantastic dessert.
Beverages
Beverages Cost. Here are cost saving ideas for beverages to add to your party planning list:
You can always ask your guest to BYOFB - bring your own favorite beverage.
Serve one awesome special drink - Margaritas, Mojitos, Sangria are all examples.
Avoid serving alcohol - this is becoming more popular to avoid driving intoxicated.
Make a killer homemade lemonade, punch, or special flavored tea.
If you are having a dessert party, just serve coffee and hot tea.
Entertainment
Here are some entertainment ideas to put on your party planning list that don't have to cost you a penny if you are clever and get your guests involved in the planning and have them entertain themselves.
Put some of these ideas on your party planning list:
If you have musician friends who are good and like to perform, ask them to.
Break out the games. Set up small tables and put a different game on each one.
Card parties are classic and guests can play their favorite or organize a Gin Rummy tournament.
Charades is fun and never gets old.
Cooking party - everyone pitches in and helps with a favorite recipes.
Have your guests bring their favorite CDs and have a lip sync party.
Super Bowl, World Series, NASCAR races, Gone with the Wind,or Rocky Horror Picture Show parties are inexpensive broadcast or DVD parties that are perennial favorites.
Decorations
Keep your decorations simple. A budget party is all about getting people together to have a good time. You're not trying to impress people with fancy décor.
Wild flowers or simple flowers from the grocery store in Dollar Store vases can bring color and life to the party.
Candles give a nice glow - just be sure you don't light too many highly scented ones.
Break out the Christmas twinkle lights and string them around the house.
Supplies
Disposable plate ware and other party supplies are convenient, but they cost. If you can, use your own dishes, flatware, and cloth napkins. There might be a little clean up to do, but the price is right.
There are many ways to host a successful party that won't break your budget but will be lots of fun. Be sure to use a party planning list and be creative. If you're not very creative, find a friend who is and ask for help. Much of the fun of having a party is the planning - so ENJOY!
E. Ann Hill is a successful party planning expert and hospitality professional with many years of personal and professional party and event planning experience. She loves to entertain and wants to share the easy and challenging lessons she has learned with eager novice and seasoned hosts. Her goal is to instill the #1 objective for entertaining - the host should enjoy planning the party and the party itself as much as his or her guests.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Ann_Hill
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