Planning A Christmas Get Together
We all love a good party, especially a good Christmas party. During the holiday season, we often show just how much we love these parties by busting our budgets, all in the name of making our Christmas event the talk of the neighborhood or the office.
But if you’re in debt like most American or saving for a rainy day like most diligent people. Hosting a Christmas party can be a real challenge to your budget. You want to be just as festive as the next party goer, but you don’t want to completely derail your money goals—which might feel fairly impossible to do. The good news is, you don’t have to overspend to entertain! Here are some budget-friendly ways to help you host a Christmas party.
1. Make a Christmas party budget and stick to it.
Think through how much money you’ll need to host a Christmas party this year. If you want to find some quick cash for your party logged away in your budget fast, temporarily cut a few categories, like your fun money or your restaurant cash. Set aside a realistic amount in your budget and mark it “Christmas Party” so you know exactly how much you can spend.
The best way to stick to the budget when you’re hosting a Christmas party is to track your spending as you go. Recording everything on your favorite laptop or via a notebook or some form of planner that you know you will use consistently. It’ll help you know exactly how much you’ve already dropped on the party and how much you have left to spend.
2. Set your priorities.
Before you start spending, make a list of everything you want to buy. Start with what’s most important when it comes to hosting a Christmas party: paper goods, main dishes, appetizers, desserts, drinks, decorations and tablecloths. That way, if your money runs out along the way, you can cut things from the bottom that don’t matter as much and focus on the Christmas party ideas that you really want to do.
3. Opt for a hot cocoa bar over alcohol.
Look, we’re not trying to be a Scrooge about your Christmas “spirits” here, but the reality is, alcohol is expensive—especially when you’re buying it for a large group at a party. If you still want to be festive while saving major bucks, then forgo the spiked eggnog and mixed drinks and offer a hot cocoa bar to your guests.
It’s pretty simple too. Just make a large portion of hot cocoa, provide Christmas-themed cups, and offer all the delicious toppings for guests to pile on. Of course, marshmallows are the obvious favorite, but don’t forget things like candy canes, whipped cream, sprinkles and whatever else gives your heart that cherry-on-top feeling.
4. Keep it manageable.
You don’t have to throw an over-the-top, black-tie event for 100 people. Invite 20-30 friends to your house for a casual potluck dinner instead! Possibly a B.Y.O.B scenario. You’ll save a lot of money and reduce the stress level of your Christmas party planning. And with a smaller group, you’ll actually be able to hang out with your guests rather than act like a catering service.