Tips For Saving Money Entertaining This Holiday Season

When holiday season is in full swing, most households have people streaming in and out. It’s that time of year we try to make time to see everyone, and that usually means a lot of hosting. Some of us look forward to the opportunity to show off their Martha-Stewart-esque domestic prowess, while others of us cringe at the thought of entertaining. It usually means huge grocery bills, and even bigger bills at the liquor store.

The holidays shouldn’t be a cringeworthy, debt-inducing affair, though. They should be fun, lighthearted and comforting. So, let’s knock down some of the most expensive aspects of hosting company, so you can cruise through these holidays stress and debt-free. Here are a few pro tips for surviving the holidays with your wallet intact:

Borrow

Your friends are great for moral support, but they also make great party suppliers! Ask around for the things you need: dishes, chairs, decorations. You’ll be surprised what people are willing to lend you for a great night.

Your friends are great for moral support, but they also make great party suppliers! Ask around for the things you need: dishes, chairs, decorations. You’ll be surprised what people are willing to lend you for a great night.

Potluck

Ask your guests to bring a dish to share. It can be dessert, an appetizer, maybe a salad or a side dish. Make sure you get a good idea of what people are bringing, though, so you don’t end up with seven appies and no sides!

Consider your menu

Is going vegetarian an option? Opting out of meat altogether can make a meal significantly cheaper when serving a crowd. If you want to serve meat, make use of the slow & low method with cheaper cuts. Choose produce that is in season and local so the cost stays low and remember to incorporate cheap carbs like pasta, rice or potatoes. They fill bellies quick for next to nothing!

BYOB

Of course, ask your guests to bring their own drinks, whether they are alcoholic or not. Drinks, especially the adult sort, can add up quickly. Don’t take the brunt of this cost on yourself.

Don’t overfeed

The goal here isn’t to see each of your guests groaning in pain later. Serve smaller portions, and don’t go overboard with the extras, like dessert or appetizers. Overeating can bring the energy of the event down and send people home early. Keep it light and the party will have life. Trust me, your guests will appreciate you for it!

Use your own dishes

It’s so much easier to buy the disposable plates, bowls, and cutlery, but these add significant cost to your entertaining budget. Instead, use your own dishes, and if you don’t have enough, go back up to the first point in this list and borrow!

Buy in bulk

You’re usually going to see a pretty decent sized discount per serving when you buy your food and drinks in bulk. If it’s wine, grab a case. If it’s food items, grab them at Costco. The worst that can happen is that you have leftovers to feed your family with for the next week.

Decor

Make your own or get it at the Dollar Store. Do a little Pintrest surfing for some cheap DIY holiday decor ideas. If you don’t have time to do that, head on over to your local dollar store. You’d be surprised what they have in the way of decor, especially during the holidays. There is no reason you couldn’t find some cute centre pieces and maybe a wreath there.

Co-Host

This isn’t just a great way of sharing the responsibilities and work that comes with holiday entertaining, it also cuts costs in half (at least). Find a family member or friend willing to share this responsibility with you and you’ll be working and paying less while still hosting a great party.

Entertaining guests is fun if we don’t put too much pressure on ourselves. Relax, ask for help and don’t go overboard making sure your Martha Stewart game is better than everyone else’s. When push comes to shove, all anyone is looking for this time of year, is good company.

What are some of the money saving tricks you use for entertaining? Let us know in the comments!