How to Throw an Inexpensive New Year's Eve Party

New Year's Eve parties are a great way to celebrate the ending of one year and the beginning a new year. Yet, many people may fear that they can not throw a New Year's Eve Party because their budget is tight and throwing a party is expensive. Yet, this doesn't have to be the case if you use your imagination and take care when watching your expenses.
Here are some tips and steps to help you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Pencil
• Paper
• Calculator
• Simple foods to serve
• Simple drinks
• Inexpensive decorations
• Party hats
• Party favors
• CD's
• Television set

1. Plan a budget. Before you do any planning at all you must know how much money you have to spend. Once you decide on the amount you want to spend consider this your limit. You are not allowed to go above that price.

2. Get out a pen, pencil and calculator. As you purchase supplies write them down and calculate the ongoing price list and how much you have left to spend.

3. Skip the expensive invitations. Invite people via your telephone, word of mouth and email. You can find many great, tasteful and fun party invites on the internet for free. Search for one that has a New Year's Eve theme. When inviting people, stress that the party if going to be a casual event (this may even help you get more people to come).

4. Make a list of the food and drink preparations you may need. Keep the menu light and easy. Go with a buffet style, which can include basic items such as chips, dips, luncheon meats, cheeses, and cookies. You should also keep the drink choices simple as well.

5. Ask guests who are known for making signature dishes to bring them along with them.

6. Keep decorations cheap and simple by shopping at discount stores. Stick with the basic decorations such as party favors, some party hats, etc. Make what you can if you are creative.

7. Skip hiring an inexpensive DJ and ask what of your guests to be DJ. Many may jump at this opportunity. The guest DJ can even borrow CD's from other guests to help with the musical arrangements.

8. Set up a television some where in the room to allow people to watch the countdown in New York. This will also help you keep track of count down time.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask other guests for their ideas on how to throw a party on a budget
• Skip the fancy tableware and use disposable plates. (Look for those that are biodegradable).
• The only way you can keep track of your budge is by writing everything you spend down and the perfect time to do this is as soon as you the item home.

[Punkuns]

on 1/25/2009 Great tips for throwing an inexpensive New Year’s Eve party!

[vikki9]

on 12/30/2008 Great suggestions - thank you and Happy New Year!

[veryirie]

on 12/27/2008 Good ideas for an inexpensive New Year's Eve party. Thanks.