How to Host a Holiday Party on a Budget

Party Decorations | Bar Cart | ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ Art | Champagne Glasses

I’ve always loved to host my friends for a holiday get together during the holidays. However, I’ve always had to entertain on a limited budget. It started in college when I had to figure out how to host a party with the funds from my part-time retail job, and then as a 20-something with my income from my entry-level marketing gig. How to do put together a stunning party with limited funds?

Here are some of the tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years on how to host a holiday party on a limited budget!

1. It’s All in the Details

   For the holiday party I hosted this year, I added a few little details that really made the party seem a little more luxe! I added table confetti to both my bar cart and table, as well as little “Sips” and “Treats” signs to my food and drink stations to take my party decor to the next level. These small touches were super inexpensive, and you could make these yourself as well! 

2. Stick to a Signature Drink

   Instead of buying multiple types of drinks for my party, I stuck to a really simple cocktail: a champagne cocktail topped off with cranberries and a little “merry” flag stickers. By simplifying the drink menu, I only needed to buy one type of alcohol, which was super cost-effective. I also decided to grab some plastic champagne flutes that are also reusable; this way, if any spills happen, I won’t have to worry about broken glass in my apartment, but I also have the option to keep these glasses for my next shindig!

3. Serve Hors D’Ouerves Instead of a Full Meal

   As much as I love a good dinner party, I skipped a buffet-style holiday party and offered a simple cheese/charcuterie board and cranberry tart dish. I chose to build my own cheese/charcuterie plate with gouda, goat cheese, brie, salamis and crackers. You can head to your local BJ’s Wholesale Club to snag larger portions of the cheese and crackers if you’re feeding a large crowd! BJ’s also has pre-made appetizer platters at their deli that you can order ahead of time. 

4. Host an Under $20 Gift Exchange

   We decided to host a white elephant at our holiday party as a fun activity — since my roommate and I both invited our sets of friends who didn’t know each other that well, this was a fun way to gift anonymously and a great icebreaker as well! By keeping it under $20, it’s a great way for both you and your guests to not break the bank. BJ’s Wholesale also has an awesome selection of gifts under $20 for any gift exchange, they also have a great selection of toys and higher-end gifts for any person on your list!

How do you host a holiday party on a budget?

Thank you to BJ’s Wholesale Club for partnering with me for this post!