If you want to enthusiastically welcome 2020 and spend some time with family and friends, hosting a New Year’s Eve party might sound like a great idea. But a fancy soiree can get expensive, and you might worry that you can’t pull it off without breaking the bank. Luckily, that isn’t the case. You can still hold an amazing get together without busting your budget. Here’s how.
Limit Your Guest List For The New Year’s Eve Party
While the idea of letting everyone you know attend might seem great, large parties are automatically more expensive than a smaller one. Instead of sending out open invites, create a formal guest list. Then, send out invitations. Also, ask those who are interested to RSVP, allowing you to track who thinks they can make it and who can’t.
Look for Bulk Deals
If you need mountains of disposable cups, plates, and utensils, focus on retailers that will give you a deal. This could include retail giants like Amazon or Costco, both of which are known for low prices on various bulk purchases.
Small business party supply shops can also work. In some cases, locally-owned stores can cut you a deal on bulk purchases, so they are worth considering. Just make sure you ask for a discount and see if they will negotiate.
You may also be able to get a bulk deal on other kinds of purchases. Many stores that sell wine offer discounts if you buy a certain number of bottles. It’s also possible to find similar deals on other kinds of alcohol, but you may have to do some searching to find them.
Reduce Your Food and Drink Costs
Food and drinks are large parts of your New Year’s Eve party budget. By making your event a potluck or telling guests it’s BYOB, you can keep your out-of-pocket costs down. For the potluck approach, consider asking each guest to bring something specific. That way, you can keep an eye on the overall menu and reduce the chances that everyone will bring the same thing.
However, if you want to provide the food and drinks, there are other approaches you can use. For example, instead of a sit-down dinner, focus on a variety of apps and bite-sized desserts. Only provide champagne to ring in the New Year with, and go with less expensive beverages for the rest of the night.
Repurpose Christmas Decorations
Certain Christmas decorations can be repurposed for a New Year’s Eve party. For example, lights from your Christmas tree can be great for creating ambiance, especially if they are clear. A bit of tinsel can add sparkle to all kinds of items and spaces, and plain ornaments grouped together can make attractive centerpieces.
If you have a holiday item that isn’t red or green, or doesn’t specifically depict something Christmas-related, consider how you could repurpose it. A surprising number of items may work for your party décor.
Try the Dollar Store
When it comes to cheap party décor, the dollar store can be a great option. You can find low-cost balloons, streamers, noisemakers, and more, and every pack will be no more than a buck.
Plus, you can build some simple centerpieces with dollar store items. Just get small glass vases, some glass beads, and votive candles. Put the beads in the vase and set a candle on top. Once light, the flame will reflect in the glass, creating an attractive and inexpensive focal point on a table.
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you keep your New Year’s Eve party costs down. Consider trying one or several, and make sure you don’t break the bank as you welcome 2020.
Do you have any tips for throwing a budget-conscious New Year’s Eve Party? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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