Tips for hosting a low-budget Christmas party
If you start offering loads of different cocktails you’ll have to buy loads of different spirits and mixers, so keep things cheap by sticking to one or two.
Are you thinking of bring the family together this festive season and hosting a Christmas party, but you’re also worried about the budget?
Times are tough and the rand is low, but don’t let that stop you from hosting your family this Christmas.
Below is a list that will give you a few ideas on how to host a low budget Christmas party.
Planning
Start planning early! Nothing wastes money more than last-minute panic buys, so make sure you decide your Christmas party budget early on and stick to it.
Make a full list of everything you’ll need to buy and how much it’ll cost.
Choose a local venue
When you’re planning your Christmas party, it’s not just about keeping the host’s costs down. Going out is expensive these days, so make sure you make an effort to keep your guests’ costs down too. Choose a local party venue so people don’t have to spend lots of money on transport getting to and from the party.
Make it a fancy-dress event
Why not make it a fancy-dress party? Buying a costume is much cheaper than buying a party dress and if everyone gets into it, it can be loads of fun. Picking a theme that everyone can join in with – something fairly broad like 1920s, superheroes or costumes beginning with a certain letter would be perfect. Consider Christmas costumes too.
Use paper plates and plastic glasses
Another good tip for throwing a Christmas party on a budget is to use disposable plates, cups and cutlery.
Packs of disposable tableware are perfect for catering for large groups of people and while they certainly save you being lumbered with the washing up after the party, they’re also really good value.
Christmas buffet
Ask everyone to contribute towards the buffet.
A good tip for doing party food on a budget is to ask all your guests to contribute towards the buffet. Putting on a large spread can be quite expensive for one host but if everyone brings something, you can easily spread the cost and make it more manageable.
Do a bit of forward planning to let everyone know what they need to bring but don’t ask anyone to bring anything particularly expensive. Things like sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, cakes and other nibbles are perfect for this kind of event. And of course, BYOB (bring your own beer) goes without saying if you’re trying to keep costs down!
Serve a couple of signature drinks
If you do decide to provide some of the drinks, you can keep your Christmas party on budget by sticking to two or three types of drink rather than offering a whole selection.
If you start offering loads of different cocktails, you’ll have to buy loads of different spirits and mixers, so keep things cheap by sticking to one or two. And if anyone wants anything different, tell them to bring their own!
Do Secret Santa gifts
Whether you’re throwing a Christmas party for friends, family or colleagues, Secret Santa can be a great value solution to buying Christmas gifts.
Get everyone to bring an inexpensive gift to the party and put them all in the middle. Then one by one, each person picks a present from the pile and whatever you get, you keep!
Or, a couple of weeks before the party, put everyone’s name into a hat and get everyone to pick out a name. Then whoever you pull out of the hat is the person you’re buying a present for. But the golden rule is you can’t tell anyone who you’ve got!
Source: https://www.blog.partydelights.co.uk
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