4 Budget Entertaining Secrets – Be Festive, Be Frugal

You'll be festive and frugal this holiday season when you use my four budget entertaining secrets. Yes, it is possible to throw a party on a tight budget. Don't worry…your guests won't think you're cheap because The Budget Diet girl is all about living the good life for less! Learn how to entertain for less right now!
 
 
Dim the Lights
Create instant ambiance with candlelight, lamplight or even strands of Christmas lights. Trust me, everything looks better without those bright overhead lights! Check out these ideas for lighting using items you already have.

• A collection of candles on a mirror makes an elegant centerpiece…you could use votives, pillars or a mixture of whatever you happen to have.
• If you're not using your fireplace, group together pillar candles of varying heights for a warm glow.
• Even if it's not Christmas, pull out your white Christmas lights! Have you ever noticed how many restaurants beautifully use those tiny sparkling lights on a patio all year round?
• If you have 3-way bulbs in any of your lamps, opt for the lowest wattage to cast a soft glow throughout the room.

 
Serve a Signature Cocktail
Your party bar can be a budget breaker if you try to provide an open bar. Instead, opt for a signature cocktail, 1 type of beer and a pitcher of water with fruit immersed in it. Signature cocktails can be made with cheap wine or liquor which is a huge money saver. Choose a signature cocktail to fit with the theme of your party, and you'll have everyone asking for the recipe rather than thinking…she's cheap! Need recipes for signature cocktails to serve at your Christmas party?

• Poinsettia Punch is perfect for your Christmas party!
• Warm Sangria will fill your home the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and spices!

 
Bring a Dish
Consider providing the main dish and asking your guests to bring the appetizers, side dishes and dessert. This doesn't mean your dinner party is going to turn into a hodge podge potluck because you'll take charge and let your guests know the theme and the type of dish you'd like them to bring. For example, if you're hosting a fiesta, ask the Smiths to bring a Mexican appetizer and the Joneses to bring a dessert. Even better, skip the big meal and serve hor d'oeuvres and desserts.

Decorations? Shop your house first!
You've already taken the first step to party decorating on a budget by dimming those lights. Step #2, take a walk around your house and gather up things you already have to create a centerpiece. The beauty of hosting a Christmas party is that your decorations are already in place! During other times of the year, how about adding a candlestick to an empty wine bottle for an Italian dinner party? A cowboy boot filled with flowers makes a great centerpiece for any western themed party. Click here for more party decorating essentials.

It's fun to be festive and frugal! What will you do with the money you save?
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