10 ways to save on holiday entertaining

As the holiday season approaches, you may find your stress level rising as you review your budget. Inevitably, this is the time of year where more money seems to be going out than is coming in.

At a time when most are trying to stretch their dollars, people may avoid hosting parties due to the high costs of entertaining. But in reality, it's possible to throw a great party without going broke if it's done right. With some careful planning, it is possible to host an event that will create wonderful holiday memories--and not break your budget in the process.

Here are 10 easy tips for keeping costs down as you entertain this holiday season.

1. Plan, plan, plan! The better the planning, the more money can be saved. It's important to establish a reasonable budget and stick to it. Invites, food, beverages and decorations all need to be considered in the plan.
2. Even when money is an issue, there are a variety of options for refreshments. Hosts can choose to organize an appetizers-only event. The invite can also ask guests to bring their favorite alcohol, informing them that mixers and beer will be provided.
3. For holiday dinners, making food from scratch rather than buying prepared hors d'oeuvres and entrees is typically a cheaper way to go. Recipe books from the library are a great resource for appetizers, dishes and desserts, and the Internet also has ideas for delicious dishes that include less-costly ingredients.
4. If it's a smaller group and a sit-down dinner is feasible, it's more economical to make bulk items, like pasta or casserole, alongside turkey or ham. The more meatless dishes, the more money saved. Buffets are a great option for bigger groups too. In this case, hosts can ask guests to bring a dish to pass, assigning appetizers, sides and desserts to make sure there is a good mix.
5. When grocery shopping, it's key to watch for sales, use coupons and shop early in the season. Food prices tend to increase after Thanksgiving, so it's best to get as much shopping done before then as possible. By visiting multiple stores, it's easier to capitalize on discounts. For those who are super-organized, meals can even be planned around prices and coupons. It's important to stick to the grocery list and not get sidetracked by fancy holiday displays while in the store.
6. If the get-together is more formal, online invitations are free and effective. These also will automatically keep track of RSVPs and send a party reminder to guests. The Internet provides many invitation options, and many have fun templates with themes. Not only does this method save on stamp costs, but it is also a greener way to go than using paper.
7. When it comes to decorations, be creative. Hosts can enlist the kids' help with making homemade decorations, such as signs, place cards and centerpieces. Household items, such as ribbons, photos or flowers from the garden, can be incorporated to help set the tone of the gathering. The great outdoors can also be a wonderful resource. With pine cones, colorful leaves, twigs and chestnuts, party planners can incorporate nature into the tabletop display and overall decor.
8. Ambience can be created inexpensively using candles from around the house, music downloaded from the Internet and holiday lighting placed strategically in the room and entrance area.
9. Holiday tableware can be costly. Instead, purchasing plain plates and cups from a warehouse or dollar store and dressing it up with food-safe markers in a festive design can help keep spending in check. Cheap seasonal or holiday stickers can dress up cups in a unique and fun way. Having the kids decorate laminated paper serves a dual purpose as great place-mats and keepsakes for the grandparents.
10. Rather than leaving out leftovers, perishable food should be promptly refrigerated. This can feed the family for dinner during the next week, saving on the subsequent week's shopping trip. This is also a great meal option if out-of-town guests are staying at the host's house during the holidays.

The holiday season is a great excuse to get together with friends and family, and tight budgets should not hinder important memory-making events. Remember it is possible to entertain in a financially responsible way and ring in the season with money to spare. Let the fun begin!

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