Holiday Hosting on a Budget
I realized the other day that I’m going to have three or four get-togethers at my house in the next month. First off, I wondered what I was thinking. Secondly, I realized that this could get really expensive! Luckily, I have experience with keeping things cheap but fun… and as always, I’m going to help you, the readers, do the same! Hosting a holiday party this year? Then check out these quick tips!
- Forgo the fancy meals. At one of the get-togethers I’m hosting, I’m feeding about 13 students between the ages of 11 and 14. I’m not going to make them a 4 course meal; instead, I’m making tacos! Tacos, baked pasta (ziti, lasagna, etc), spaghetti, or just some old fashioned sandwiches are inexpensive and usually please most, if not all, of your guests. And with that…
- Always have your guests bring something. It’s common courtesy to ask a party host if you should bring something, and it’s really okay if you say yes! If the party is with a group that you meet with, bring a signup sheet for things that you need. For example, with the tacos, I’m having them sign up to bring taco shells, any toppings they use, dessert, and drinks. If it’s a pasta dish or other similar thing, make a list of sides and such. Also: Always tell your guests what to bring specifically; you don’t need 5 plates of chocolate chip cookies but no soda.
- Utilize what you already have. Do you have a wide collection of board games like I do? Or how about a Netflix account or free movies from your cable company? Don’t spend extra money if you don’t have to.
- Gift Exchange? Do a secret santa, white elephant, or re-gifting gift exchange.
- Secret Santa: Everyone picks a name ahead of time and gets a gift for that person.
- White Elephant: Gift exchange where everyone brings an inexpensive gift (usually with a predetermined amount). There are variants to this, but basically, it involves one person picking a wrapped gift and other people being able to steal that gift. It’s a fun game, there are plenty of variants listed online.
- Re-gifting: Have a gift you received that you’ll never use but you know someone else may? Do a re-gifting gift exchange with your friends.
- Don’t forget the favors. For one of my get-togethers, I’m combining this with the previous step. If there are kids involved, have them make their own favors and have it be their gifts too! Use individual stockings or the little Chinese takeout boxes, and have supplies for your guests to decorate them with. Then, have candy and other little favors to fill their boxes up with. It takes up some of the time spent together, it’s a fun activity, and it’s inexpensive. Also, consider burning CD’s with some of your favorite songs on them.
Be creative! Holiday get-togethers at home are meant to be fun and relaxing for everyone, including the person hosting them. Don’t break your wallet or your brain and enjoy this holiday season!
