Holidays
Holiday Party Planning on a Budget
By
Nov 28, 2007, 23:02

(ARA) – For many, throwing a party during the holidays -- when budgets are already stretched -- seems impossible. Good news -- your situation may not be as dire as you think. According to Coinstar, the average U.S. household has roughly $90 of forgotten change sitting around.

It may be hiding between the couch cushions, in the junk drawer, the car or in a jar next to the bed. No matter where you find it, $90 is enough money to host a memorable party.


Here are some tips from top party planners on how to pull it off:


Invitations

There are many online sites that will send your invitations for free, but it isn’t the most personal approach. People love getting mail, especially at this time of year. Set the mood for your party by using past holiday photos or old holiday cards as postcard invitations. This is an inexpensive and fun way to set the personal tone of the party, and all you have to pay for is postage. Cost: $7

Venue

Instead of trying to rent out a space like a hall or restaurant that can be costly and usually has a minimum dollar amount set on food and drink, host the party at your home. Sure it will require a little elbow grease to clean up and set up, but get the kids involved and the work will get done faster. The holidays are all about spending time together, after all. Cost: $0

Food/Beverages

Instead of purchasing and preparing all of the food yourself, which would not only be time consuming but expensive, make it a themed potluck. “Our Favorite Holiday Meals” is a popular one this time of year. You can prepare a holiday dish your mother taught you how to make and ask all your guests to do the same. Those who don’t cook can volunteer to bring the wine/beer and other drinks. Cost: $40

Party Décor

Take a do-it-yourself approach with your party decorations. Instead of buying wreaths, centerpieces and ornaments at a store, make them yourself. Wrap an inexpensive door wreath found at a craft store or twigs from the yard with festive bows, place pillar candles of various sizes on a foyer tables, add small white lights around doorways, and put family photos from the previous year on display throughout the house. This is a great way to spark conversation among guests that don’t know each other very well. Don’t forget festive napkins and plates for your table and bar area! Cost: $15-40

Finishing Touches

Finally, don’t forget the small details like music, party favors and of course a gift for the “grab”. Load your MP3 player with 2-3 hours holiday favorites. Holiday ornaments make great party favors -- fill a clear bowl with a variety of ornaments for your guests to take when they leave. And, if you’ve invited guests to participate in a gift exchange, it’s a good idea to have a few extra for those who forget. Candles, coffee and chocolate are inexpensive, and usually appreciated.

Finally, that $90 that may be sitting in your home can easily be used to supplement your holiday budget - for free! Many Coinstar Centers offer free coin counting when you place the value of your change onto gift cards or eCertificates from retailers like Amazon.com, Circuit City, iTunes, Starbucks and more. Visit www.coinstar.com for details.

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