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Cheap And Easy Holiday Hacks: Entertaining On A Budget

Hattie Burgher  |  December 10, 2018

Hosting holiday parties, holiday parties and more holiday parties?!

If you’re planning on hosting one yourself, we here at HerMoney know it’s not always easy or cheap to do so—which is why we put our elf hats on to bring you some very merry, budget-friendly entertaining hacks.

Divide and Conquer

When it comes to entertaining on a budget, hosting a party potluck style is the way to go. If you cover the main entree and ask your friends to bring either a side dish or drink it’ll be an easy way to cut party costs. Not only will having everyone pitch in be cheaper, but your meal will a fun assortment of your friend’s favorite dishes. Party pro tip: If you want to cut your costs and time in the kitchen, go for dishes like lasagna or chili. They don’t require a lot of ingredients or effort to make.

Pour a Pitcher

Instead of buying a variety of alcohol, try sticking to one liquor and making a big pitcher of a mixed drink. A pitcher of red sangria is never a bad idea—plus its deep red color will be on point with the holiday season.

Deck Your Halls

Of course when you invite people over around the holidays you want your house to look like a winter wonderland. The good news is you can and for cheap.

We asked Heather Wheeler and Joanie Demer from The Krazy Coupon Lady to give us their favorite discount decorating tips. They suggested using chalkboard tape to turn plain dishes into party dishes. All you need to do is adhere chalkboard tape to plain dishes, then use a chalk pen to write your merry message or let guests know what you’re serving. Remove the tape easily when you’re done. Another cheap and easy way to bring holiday cheer to the table is to use candy canes as place card holders. Hot-glue three unwrapped candy canes, starting with two canes first, then attaching the third. Add decorative ribbon and then slip a place card into two of the hooks. For more festive decoration ideas, see our story, “Cheap and easy holiday hacks: decorating for less.”

Ditch the Plastic

Sure, it’s more convenient to use plastic utensils and disposable dish ware, because who wants to clean up after the party? But it’s not necessarily cheaper or eco-friendly. Using dishes that you already have will cut the cost of an unnecessary expense.

If you don’t have enough serving plates or utensils, buy a generic brand that will get the job done. That way for the next party you throw you’ll already have all that you need and won’t need to keep spending on cutlery.

For more merry tips and tricks, subscribe to HerMoney.com today!

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