Want to throw a New Year’s Eve party that will wow your guests but you’re afraid it isn’t in your budget? Think again. Throwing a chic New Year’s Eve party does not have to cost a fortune.
The first and most important order of business when it comes to throwing a great party on a budget is careful planning.
Planning the Guest List
- Figure out exactly how many guests you would like to invite, keeping in mind that just because you are hosting a party does not mean that every one of your friends or relatives has to be invited.
- Send out invitations early and request that the recipients RSVP so that you will know exactly how many will be attending before you shop for or prepare any of the party foods.
Decorations and Lighting
Having a color scheme and sticking to it will make decorating easier and be more visually appealing. When shopping for party decorations or accessories, the local discount or dollar stores in your area are your best bet. Many of them carry a wide range of party supplies as well as everyday household items that could fit into your party theme perfectly and at a reasonable cost. Craft supply stores are another good place to shop. Here are some ideas to keep in mind.
- Balloons and streamers in coordinating colors.
- Decorative shot glasses that can be purchased 3-4 for a dollar are perfect for personal size dips and sauces.
- Shrimp cocktail served in Martini glasses purchased for $1 each are an elegant way to serve your guests.
- Clear, unscented tea light candles in clear glass holders. Tea lights placed on mirror tiles make excellent mood lighting. These tiles are available at hobby/craft shops and are fairly inexpensive.
- Floating candles. Floating candles in glass bowls make lovely centerpieces.
- Plates, table cloths, cutlery and cups in matching colors. Keep in mind when you are shopping for these supplies that if you entertain frequently it might be a good idea to buy reusable instead of disposable plastic and paper. This may cost a bit more initially, but you will save money each time you entertain and keep the excess paper and plastic out of the landfill.
- Party favors and noise makers for midnight.
Party Food
The best way to keep costs low when hosting a party is to keep foods simple and to prepare it yourself. A buffet is the cheapest way to go. Avoid buying things like pre-made deli, vegetable, cheese or fruit platters. They are easy to assemble yourself and will cost about ¼ of what they cost pre-made. Purchase as much of the food as you can several days before the party to avoid a last minute scramble and save buying perishable items until the day of the party. Here are some menu suggestions.
- Individual shrimp cocktails served in martini glasses.
- Platters of assorted cheeses, crackers pates and spreads.
- Platters of assorted thinly sliced deli meats, spreads and freshly baked rolls/breads.
- Platters filled with fresh sliced vegetable sticks and sauce for dipping.
- A variety of pickles and olives.
- Deviled eggs and canapes.
- A dessert tray with cookies, squares, chocolate and fresh fruit.
- Coffee and tea for the end of the night.
Another way to stay within your budget when hosting a party is to ask guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages, but advise them not to go overboard. The important thing with any party is that guests have a good time. Weeks after the party is over they may still be talking about what a wonderful time they had, but will have forgotten that your platters were plastic or that your party was not catered.
