This post contains referral links. All opinions are my own.
We cram a lot of parties into just a few weeks at the end of the year. I really do love it! I try to host a few parties: one with my friends/neighbors, one for some friends from church, and even a cookie exchange. It can become very expensive, especially this time of year.
I don’t want to go over budget because I love all these parties. So I have come up with a few things that I do to make sure I can host a few parties and not spend a fortune.
How To Plan A Holiday Party On A Budget
Make a Menu:
Pick easy-to-prepare foods that have budget-friendly ingredients. Make your list but first shop your pantry. You may be surprised how many items you already have in your house. Watch the sales ad and head to the store to grab the items you need when they are at the best price.
Tip – Use apps like Fetch and Ibotta to get paid for shopping online. Right now I prefer Fetch because it syncs with my email receipts and finds all my online and in-store orders. (I have many of my in-store purchase receipts sent to my email.
Say “No” To Disposable Products:
Using disposable products is easy. I love to bring out all my colorful plates and silverware for the party. I also have a set of white cloth napkins that I have available for my guests.
It only takes a few extra minutes to load everything into the dishwasher and washing machine, and it will save you a lot of money in your budget.
Let Others Help:
You don’t have to be the only one providing all the food. When you make your menu, jot down a list of some of the items your friends can bring. Even simple items like soda or items for a coffee bar help save you money.
Inexpensive appetizers vs. full meals:
When I host a party, I would rather spend time mingling with the guests. When you serve a full meal, it feels more formal. Plus the cost is much more. My menu usually consists of several appetizers, and as many cookies as I can manage to bake before the party.
You can make really good appetizers that cost just a few bucks! Below is my recipe for Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Spread. It costs about $5. There are no fancy ingredients, and it takes about 5 minutes to prepare.
More Appetizer Recipes:
- Easy Pulled Pork Appetizer
- Chicken & Cream Cheese Cresent Rolls
- Gorgonzola Dip
- Cheese Ball
- Lite Chicken Enchilada Dip
Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Spread
- 1 8oz bar of cream cheese, softened
- 2-4 canned chipotle peppers (in adobo sauce), seeds removed (Add more if you like it spicy!)
- 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce in the can of chipotle
- 1-18oz Jar strawberry preserves or raspberry jam
- butter crackers
Instructions:
- Add the cream cheese, chipotles, and adobo sauce to a food processor. Pulse until it is completely mixed.
- Add to a small serving bowl on a serving platter. Add the strawberry preserves into another small bowl next to the cream cheese mixture.
- Put out crackers and enjoy!
Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Spread
Whip up this super simple appetizer for your guests to enjoy!
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, chipotles, and adobo sauce to a food processor. Pulse until it is completely mixed.
- Add to a small serving bowl on a serving platter. Add the strawberry preserves into another small bowl next to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread on the crackers and enjoy!
Let others help with some of the supplies and make simple appetizers like Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Spread!