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Planning
Irrespective of the size and type
of party you are planning to host,
pre-planning your budget for the
venue is key to staying within the
confines of an outlined budget.
Invitations are the start to your
party planning, so think out of
the box; use your creativity—try
customized e-invitations or even
Instagram or Snapchat videos,
all personalized with the theme,
venue, and details of your party.
The most important
factor
What food you served in your
party will always be remembered
so plan this step very carefully.
Think finger foods, dips with
crudités, pita triangles, and lots
of cut up fresh vegetables to add
color. Crostini and bread sticks
can be served with a variety of
dips. Mini kebobs can be turned
into sliders while mini baked
potatoes can be served with
salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
The drinks
Invest in a beautiful punch
bowl. Mix strawberry jelly with
carbonated sodas and create
a beautiful red fruit punch,
garnished with floating sliced
fruit and mint leaves.
Creating the mood
Skip the temptation to fill your
home with bouquets of fresh
flowers and instead, use candles,
fresh fruit bowls and candy jars
to add a touch of festivity.
Return gifts
Here, presentation is key;
purchase small Mason jars
and fill them with homemade
cookies or candies. Use
inexpensive coffee mugs and fill
them with premium dates.
Other Party Ideas
That Won’t Break the
Bank
Movie Night:
Create a cinema
like experience, complete with
popcorn, nachos and salsa, and
lots of finger foods. Add a row of
chairs and sit back and enjoy the
movie.
The Friday Brunch:
Recreate
that Friday brunch ambiance
with small tables set up with
themed dishes; for example, one
table with breads on one side
and breakfast items on another;
another table with curries and
rice. Don’t forget to add a variety
of sweet treats.
The Dessert Party:
Ask
everyone to bring one dessert
from their native country and be
prepared to explain a bit about
it. You can provide the fresh fruit
salad and cupcakes alongside tea/
coffee.
Tips for Throwing a
Fabulous Party on a
Budget
• Don’t invite too many people!
Keep the party at six to eight
people including yourself.
• Prep soups, salads, and
appetizers to save you time and
enable you to focus on enjoying
the party.
• Serve many items, but in smaller
portions, which not only saves
money, but also allows people to
sample each offering.
H
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Nov/Dec 2016