6 Ways to Save on Holiday Get Togethers
December 20, 2013The holiday season invariably presents a variety of ways to separate your money from your wallet. There’s entertainment like shows and concerts, gift giving for friends and loved ones, and let’s not forget about tipping and gratuity – you can’t forget your child’s teacher, your dry cleaner, or even your postman. Although you never want to look cheap, it is important to save money during the holidays wherever you can.
In the midst of all this holiday hullabaloo, thankfully there is one thing you do have control over – how much you spend on the parties and get-togethers you host. There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than by opening up your home to friends and loved ones. Take a look at the best ways to decrease your costs while raising a glass with the people you care about this season:
1. Ask Your Invitees For Help
It’s the holiday season so generosity is already in the air. Take advantage of that by asking the people on your list for help. Even if they can provide a modest bottle of wine or a simple side dish, it’s one less thing you need to purchase and prepare yourself. Most people don’t like showing up at a party empty-handed anyway, and they may actually be happy to have some direction on what to bring.
2. Take Complete Advantage of Coupons
Most people know where to find coupons in the Sunday paper, but don’t forget to use your smartphone as a resource too. Follow your favorite retailers on Facebook to be notified of any special sales and check out money-saving apps like Cellfire and SavingStar. You may be surprised how many deals you find that can cut the cost of your party food and beverages.
3. Serve a Fresher Menu
Fresh vegetables and fruits give your holiday menu more color and variety and are also more cost-friendly. There’s nothing quite as festive as a plate of red and green peppers with dip or a dessert made with red and green apples. Check out your local farmer’s market for seasonal items that are locally grown and oftentimes more affordable.
4. Creatively Limit Your Adult Beverage Costs
Instead of serving a wide variety of top-shelf liquor, go with a cheaper brand name bulk beverage. Don’t be afraid to make a vat of holiday-themed booze, such as sangria or “candy cane vodka.” Sangria is just wine, juice, and fruit, and the candy cane cocktail can be made by throwing some candy canes into a bottle of vodka a few days before the party. Once they dissolve, your vodka should be minty and red. In both cases, your purchase cost is much lower than if you wanted to stock an elaborate bar.
5. Skip the Overpriced Decorations
The dollar store is the perfect place to find cheap holiday decorations. You can purchase colored crepe paper, ribbons, and bows for next to nothing and then put together some quick decorations on your own. Don’t be afraid to let a plate of cookies or brightly colored candies serve as decoration as well. Once you get your full holiday spread set out before the party, the room should look festive even if you don’t have an elaborate centerpiece.
6. Send Your Invites Over the Internet
There’s simply no need to spend hours writing out invites for your bash and dole out money on postage and supplies. Use a website such as Paperless Post or Evite and send them out electronically. Getting RSVPs is much easier too. Your guests can simply click a button to let you know they’re coming, and you won’t be waiting by the mail for their replies.
If you’re going to be hosting multiple holiday parties, these cost-saving ideas become that much more important. You probably already overspent on your Black Friday or Cyber Monday budget, which makes cutting the cost of your holiday parties absolutely essential. Put in the time to decrease your costs and you just might find yourself with a bit less credit card debt come next January.
What ways can you think of to reduce costs on holiday get-togethers?