Having your own home gives you ample opportunities to entertain. While hosting a party in your home might seem stressful, having people over can actually be a simple and affordable way to spend time with family and friends. To learn more about how to entertain within reason, read on for five fundamental tips for throwing a budget-friendly get-together.
1. Host a Potluck
If you’re planning to have a meal with friends, consider hosting a potluck where guests bring a dish or drink instead of you having to prepare food for everyone. By making just one or two dishes yourself and having guests bring other items along with their preferred beverages, you can save on the cost of food and cooking supplies. A potluck will not only help save you money, but you’ll also be serving guests a well-rounded, diverse meal that everyone contributed to. Choose a dinner theme and coordinate it in advance with your guests. For entertainment, choose games or activities that keep with the theme.
Rustic is a great fall party theme for those who prefer a restrained and minimalist approach to party decoration. Small twigs and fallen branches are not hard to come by this season. Collect them in a tall vase and arrange some dried leaves to create the focal point of your party table. Be sure to gather enough leaves in varying shades of red and yellow to add excitement to your arrangement.
Think of this as a Halloween after-party for adults, while the goblins stay home with the sitter. Invite your friends to come as their favorite celebrity. Assign everyone a number at the door and make a game of who can guess every famous-face in the room.
There is no need to go overboard with your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Some flowers and candles with fall colors will give you a look your guests will love!
Mint pink lemonade- chop some mint leaves and let them infuse for at least four hours. Get a beautiful pink color by adding some strawberry or pomegranate juice.
Fresh cucumber or melon water- chop either cucumber or melon and let infuse in the water.
Décor tip- drinks can be served in old fashioned beverage dispensers or mason jars for a cool and classy look.
A casual, outdoor party is a great way to inaugurate your new home, and an even better excuse to meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends. The key is to make it as stress free as possible, because you’ve already been through a closing, moving, and an unpacking marathon. A little socialization and some good food are certainly in order.
Serve up these wonderful witch’s broom apps made from breadsticks, pretzels, and some licorice rope!
Use shot glasses or tumblers to display your munchies and dips!